Emfuleni faces power cuts due to outstanding Eskom debt

by Dady Mollo Cllr - DA Emfuleni Caucus Leader

Eskom recently announced that residents will be faced with routine electricity supply interruptions. This comes as the municipality fails to repay its Eskom debt.

I call upon the Gauteng Human Settlements MEC, Paul Mashatile, to intervene as this is a clear indication of the financial disarray at Emfuleni. While we make this call, we are not confident that action will be taken given that Mashatile prefers spending his days doing ANC work, instead of the work the people of Gauteng pay and expect him to do.

Eskom has taken a decision to implement electricity interruptions that will commence from 8 March 2018, following non-payment. The DA understands that the entity has made numerous representations and submissions to appeal to the municipality to pay its debt, however this landed on deaf ears.This while the mayor of the Municipality clr Khawe, claimed that the municipality has abided by the repayment arrangements made with both Eskom and Rand Water, during his last address to council.

The electricity supply interruptions will result in daily scheduled disconnection at the following times.

Week 1 (starting 8 March 2018)

Week 2

Week 3

Areas that will be affected include Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng, Boipatong, Tshepiso, Sharpeville and Evaton. 

The Emfuleni Municipality is under severe strain due to financial maladministration. As such, the municipality has failed to keep to the repayment arrangements made with Eskom as well as with Rand Water and is now failing to deliver on these basic services as a result.

This municipality continues to prove that the ANC is only concerned with enriching itself instead of serving the people.

It is about time that the residents of Emfuleni vote for a party that prioritises their needs. The DA is the only party that can bring about Total Change and put a stop to ANC maladministration.

A DA-led government will ensure that services are delivered, corruption is dealt with and jobs are delivered.