Mayor launches operation targeting illegal electricity connections
The operation is not aimed at those who regularly buy electricity, but at those who connect illegally.
Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality Mayor Mduduzi Myeza has announced the launch of a task team that will conduct door-to-door inspections in Wembezi township to identify residents involved in illegal electricity connections.
The mayor stated that the initiative began in Papkuilsfontein and later extended to Estcourt town. Due to the growing problem of electricity theft, the programme has now been expanded to Wembezi. He made these remarks today (November 5) during a community meeting held at the Wembezi Multi-Purpose Hall.
Community concerns and recommendations formed part of the meeting.
According to Myeza, the municipality is owed a significant amount of money by residents who fail to pay for electricity. He revealed that Weenen owes approximately R34 million, uThukela District Municipality owes R51 million, while Wembezi is the highest debtor with an estimated R80 million.
The mayor added that the municipality itself purchases electricity from Eskom every month at a cost of R25 million, emphasising the need for residents to play their part by paying for the service.
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He clarified that this operation is not aimed at those who regularly purchase electricity, but rather at those who engage in illegal connections. He explained that offenders caught stealing electricity will be required to pay 20% of their total debt as part of a settlement process, after which further measures will be implemented to address the issue.
During the meeting, community members also raised concerns about poor infrastructure, including damaged roads full of potholes, non-functioning streetlights, and other service delivery challenges. Despite these concerns, residents commended the mayor for his ongoing efforts and commitment to improving the lives of the people. Myeza instructed the managers of the different departments to swiftly attend to community complaints, starting from next week.
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