The Ngwathe Local Municipality currently owes Eskom approximately R2.8 billion – a situation largely attributed to electricity losses arising from illegal connections, tampering with infrastructure, and non-compliance with municipal bylaws.

A joint municipal departmental operation to audit electricity supply and usage in Heilbron was led by the Executive Mayor of Ngwathe Local Municipality,  Cllr Victoria De-Beer Mthombeni, today.

The Executive Mayor joined by Cllr Johny Serati MMC responsible for Finance, Cllr Noma Moloi MMC responsible for Public Safety, Cllr Mosuiwa Mofokeng MMC responsible for Infrastructure, Municipal Manager Dr F.P Mothamaha, CFO Serame Phethoane and the technical team led by Ms Patricia Morokolo Director responsible for Technical Services embarked on physical visits to businesses in Heilbron receiving electricity supply from the municipality.

The Executive Mayor raised serious concerns regarding many shops owned by foreign nationals consuming electricity illegally with questionable purchasing history on municipal records while at the same time most of the people operating these shops were in possession of documents not allowing them to operate businesses.

The municipality said it suffers great revenue losses including damages to electricity infrastructure as a result of overloading.

Such operations as was seen today are critical in addressing revenue leakages, stabilising the municipality’s financial position, and ensuring sustainable electricity supply to communities, the municipality said.

Most of the stores visited were left with their electricity supply cut off.

Last week Correctional Services in Parys was also left in darkness following illegal electricity consumption. The municipality after an oversight visit to the Correctional Centre construction site said that among others, the internal wiring of the occupied buildings did not conform to SANS standards.

The consumption was therefore unbilled, which prompted the disconnection, the municipality said.

Of concern is that government departments owe the municipality over R250 million and efforts including notices issued last year, resulted in a payment of only R8,8 million, the mayor said.