Emalahleni Local Municipality’s newly appointed Executive Mayor Clr Vusi Nhlapho seems to be living up to his promises to the people of Emalahleni.
On the day of his appointment, Nhlapho promised that he would be seen working on the ground in efforts to revitalise the city of coal.
As a result, ‘Operation Bhadala’ meaning pay your bill was implemented aimed at recovering outstanding debts owed to the municipality.
Emalahleni Local Municipality’s newly appointed Executive Mayor CIr Vusi Nhlapho
WITBANK NEWS was invited to cover the electricity cut-off programme against top local business communities on Friday, August 16.
The mayor was joined by various municipal departments MMCs and ward councilors, together they wasted no time and headed to various estates in the city that allegedly owed the municipality over one million rands.
“We are here at this particular estate today to cut off the power supply as it owes the municipality R1 400 000. This operation will force our customers to pay for the services they are consuming, we are not here to play,” Clr Nhlapho reckoned as he tripped the main circuit breaker.
Other prestigious estates also had their power supply cut off as they also allegedly owed the municipality.
MMC for Technical Services Busi Hlombane ensured that the mini substations were then welded to prevent unauthorised access.
The operation had mixed reactions on social media platforms with some readers and viewers applauding the mayor for the job well done.
Alma Jacobs said, “Good, it’s time everybody pays for electricity, but they must exempt those who are paying!”
Bhekiwe Nyathi commented, “He meant it when he said his, not a suit Mayor Mickey Mouse.”
Babalwa Mmemezi-Mafokoane asked, “What about the residents in that complex who are paying? They have to suffer because of the Estate’s management?”
Stanley Mahlangu commented, “I don’t think it will end well. It is clear that you were also inducted by the same person who inducted those before you. I thought you would be different from the rest and come up with pretty new strategies but you should have thought of the children that are currently studying, the jobless. Have you thought about those who are stealing cables before switching off? Those who are with you now take videos for social media and tell you to make speeches. People need to pay and that’s a fact and we all know that. Encourage people, engage with them, and let them know you and your vision and mission for our city but not to react and make people feel you in your early days. Anyway, Good luck Honourable Mayor.”
The mayor also made a shocking discovery over the dire living conditions of foreigners who are allegedly living in hijacked buildings in Lurking Street While shutting down the power in one of the buildings, he promised that the issue of illegal foreigners hijacking and occupying buildings in eMalahleni will come to a stop under his reign.
What is your opinion about this story?
Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490
· For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website www.witbanknews.co.za
· For more news and articles, like WITBANK NEWS on Facebook
or follow us on Twitter or Instagram
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted to read more on this and related topics.
