uThukela District Municipality has urgently approached the High Court to prevent Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality from cutting electricity supply to critical water infrastructure, including water treatment plants.

This follows water cuts, allegedly by the local municipality, yesterday (January 15) – allegedly linked to the outstanding balance that was not paid by uThukela.

uThukela District Mayor Inkosi NB Shabalala has instructed Municipal Manager Mr LS Jili to take legal action, warning that electricity disconnections threaten residents’ access to clean water and sanitation. The municipality says these power cuts put lives at risk, affect hospital operations, disrupt schooling, and negatively impact upon local businesses.

In a statement issued today, uThukela explained that the dispute stems from a demand by Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality for the payment of more than R80 million in historical debt accumulated over a period exceeding 10 years, to be settled within six months. uThukela argues that the demand is unreasonable and unconstitutional, particularly given its reliance on national government funding and its current financial constraints.

Also read: Electricity disconnection disrupts schooling in Estcourt

According to the district municipality, complying with the demand would severely compromise its ability to function, especially after it was allegedly pressured to pay R30 million in August last year, reducing the outstanding amount to R50 million.

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