This comes after a council resolution was taken in February, awarding self-switching responsibility to the municipality.
A workshop was held for councillors, “and it came to light that the municipality is shedding way more electricity than it is required,” DA councillor Damien Klopper says.

On stage 3, Middelburg sheds 70 MVA instead of 30 MVA, as only one substation, the Gholfsig-sub, is turned off.

“The municipality has not provided a timeline as to how, and when, the authority plan on adhering to the council resolution, despite having requested the approval,” Klopper says.

Implementing the resolution timeously, will reduce load-shedding periods, Klopper believes.

Prolonged periods of load-shedding have resulted in major infrastructure damage, due to thefts and vandalism.

“Several places in the municipality, such as Midlands Estate, Roberts Estate and a number of sections in Mhluzi, are battling with constant power outages,” Klopper says. “This has affected the livelihoods of residents in these areas as they are unable to plan for load-shedding.”

It’s of importance that the municipality carries out the mandate of the council, Klopper demands.

“The municipality must further ensure that services are provided in a sustainable manner.”

The DA has written to the MMC of Infrastructure Development Services, Marumo Sekgwele, to crack the whip on his department and make sure they execute the council’s directives.