Governing body remains mum on Eskom crisis
Last year Afriforum had to intervene and apply for an urgent interdict to prevent the disconnection. The municipality then entered into a payment arrangement for the period of November 2013 to November 2014 for the remaining balance. This arrangement entailed that all monthly current accounts be paid timeously and in full
LYDENBURG – It has been more than a week since Eskom has given notice that the entire Thaba Chweu Municipal region could be plunged into darkness and yet, no explanation or feedback has been received from TCM, COGTA or the Mpumalanga Premiers office. For the second time in ten months Eskom has threatened to cut the bulk electricity supply to this municipality. In September TCM owed Eskom some R164 million. Since then, that account has escalated to a staggering R32 million more. This governing body now owes the service provider R196 million. Last year Afriforum had to intervene and apply for an urgent interdict to prevent the disconnection. The municipality then entered into a payment arrangement for the period of November 2013 to November 2014 for the remaining balance. This arrangement entailed that all monthly current accounts be paid timeously and in full. A settlement agreement was crafted and signed by all parties and presented to court where all parties adhered to the agreement. “As a result of the above intervention, the payment plan was agreed upon. However, such payment plan was unfortunately not adhered to by the municipality. Eskom is now obliged to disconnect the supply of electricity in line with the Promotion of Administrative and Justice Act No. 3 (PAJA),” read a letter addressed to the Chairman of Afriforum, Mr Leon de Jager from Linda Kunene, Key Accounts Manager for medium businesses from Eskom.
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