Residents of Rhodesfield are up in arms over the City of Ekurhuleni’s continued demand for payment to replace stolen electricity cables.

This, despite a mayoral announcement that the charges had been scrapped.

On March 27, Ekurhuleni executive mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza publicly announced that the fee of R1 500 (excluding VAT) for the replacement of stolen service connection cables would be scrapped with immediate effect.

However, residents say municipal Energy Department staff continue to insist on payment of R1 725 before restoring power.

In protest, angered residents visited the Kempton Park Energy Department and the council’s Customer Care Centre on Monday, May 20, to demand answers and immediate action.

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Community members have also organised a public meeting to voice their frustrations and hold officials accountable.

Resident Tim Marshall, who lives on Mustang Street, said his power has been off since May 16 after thieves stole the service cable to his home.

“Now, because thieves have stolen the cable, they said to me that I must pay, and if I don’t, they won’t put my power back on,” he said.

“I asked the municipality what would happen if the same people came and stole it again next week. They couldn’t answer me. So if the perpetrators strike again, I must pay another R1 725? That’s just not right.”

Marshall said the issue isn’t just about being without electricity for three days, it’s about principle.

“We’re being made to pay for damage to infrastructure that isn’t our fault. That’s blackmail,” he added.

Also read: POWER STRUGGLE: Residents forced to pay for stolen cables

Another resident, Buhle Mhlazana, a mother of an infant living at 12 Mustang Street, said she’s also been without electricity and cannot afford the amount the municipality is demanding.

“We have kids who need to eat. It’s been three days with no electricity, and they’re telling us to pay an amount we simply don’t have,” she said.

Several other streets in Rhodesfield are reportedly affected, and many households face the same payment demand before reconnection.

Resident Christopher Tahula believes the problem lies in the implementation of the mayor’s directive.

“The mayor gave the order, but it seems the municipality hasn’t updated its policies or communicated the change effectively. The community can work together to ensure this directive is enforced, even if it means a boycott,” he said.

Also read: City will no longer impose cable replacement fee on residents

Residents are now turning to local officials and Ward Councillor Simon Lapping for support.

They say they will continue to fight for the implementation of the mayor’s directive and call on more community members to attend meetings and show solidarity.

The more voices raised, they believe, the greater the pressure on the municipality to act.

The Kempton Express has requested comment from the City of Ekurhuleni.