#Letter: Drop the spin doctoring and be accountable

Docrra’s Deon Viljoen writes:

I refer to your recent article on the dire state of electricity losses in KwaDukuza.

While electricity theft and tampering with meters and equipment are significant issues in KwaDukuza, it’s essential to acknowledge that equal responsibility lies with both Eskom and the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) electricity department.

Poor maintenance, inefficient upgrades of meters and equipment, inadequate debt control, and insufficient consumer education have contributed to the current crisis.

The situation at Sarasvati Primary School is a stark example of this neglect. Despite their electricity account being in good standing, the school has been left in the dark due to a failed transformer for over a year.

The absence of appropriate breakers and poor workmanship led to this failure. Teachers are forced to use a generator to print lessons and make photocopies, hindering the education of the children.

It is unacceptable for KDM and Eskom to shift the blame onto neighbouring communities’ illegal connections, neglecting their responsibilities towards the school and its pupils.
This is not only morally wrong, but also illegal.

Docrra, along with a forensic engineer, is working to hold both parties accountable and ensure they take concrete action rather than relying on media spin doctoring.

It’s time for Eskom and KDM to take responsibility and address the root causes of electricity losses in KwaDukuza, ensuring that institutions like Sarasvati Primary School receive the necessary support for a conducive learning environment.