Mayor announces electricity cut as illegal building occupation worsens municipal debt
The Lesedi Local Municipality prepares to cut electricity to a long-illegally occupied Shalimar Ridge building amid soaring debts as residents seek government intervention.
Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor Mluleki Nkosi met with residents of a housing unit in Shalimar Ridge to address concerns over the illegal occupation of the building and unauthorised use of water and electricity on June 10.
The mayor informed the community that the municipality would take decisive action in response to the situation.
For more than seven years, people have lived illegally in the hijacked Shalimar Ridge building. During this time, they have accessed water and electricity without paying the municipality.
This prolonged, unregulated consumption has placed a heavy financial burden on the municipality.
“This situation has contributed significantly to the municipality’s debt to Eskom and Rand Water, which now exceeds R130m and R100m, respectively. This debt limits our ability to deliver reliable services, invest in infrastructure, and fulfil our mandate fairly and sustainably to all residents.
Despite repeated efforts to engage with the occupants through legal and administrative channels, no lasting resolution has been reached.
After careful consideration, the municipality has resolved to disconnect the electricity supply to the building before July 1.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but was necessary to safeguard public resources and ensure all residents pay fairly for the services they use. It also supports our commitment to financial recovery, good governance and sustainable service delivery,” said Nkosi.
The municipality remains open to engaging affected community members through legal channels to find lawful and sustainable solutions.
It continues its work with provincial and national government partners to tackle the broader issue of illegal occupations and the strain on municipal resources.
Residents were allowed to ask questions and requested intervention from the office of the MEC for Human Settlements and the Gauteng premier to help resolve these challenges.
Nkosi agreed to arrange a meeting with all stakeholders to ensure the matter receives the attention it deserves.
