Municipality owes Eskom millions
Municipality blames illegal connections for huge electricity debt.
SECUNDA – Govan Mbeki Municipaity owes Eskom R76 813 million for electricity, according to a report from Eskom.
Eskom is working with stakeholders to find amicable solutions to address Govan Mbeki Municipality’s outstanding debt.
The Echo and Ridge Times asked the head of marketing and communications of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mr Henry Masango, why the municipality owes Eskom so much money and what happens with residents’ money.
His reply was: “The unfavourable financial position is due to the high energy loss which is due to theft.
“This situation cannot be sustainable, hence the knock-off effect on the cash-flow of the municipality.
“However, plans are underway to arrest this situation which has a catastrophic effect to the entire operations of the municipality.”
The Echo and Ridge Times asked Mr Masango to specify what the plans are and he said he would send the plans and he said: “We have entered into a payment arrangement with Eskom in February and the details thereof are unfortunately not for the public consumption.
“Also there is a revenue enhancement committee which has been established to look into all possible strategies to overcome this scrounge.
The Echo and Ridge Times also asked Mr Masango what he meant with theft and he said it relates to illegal connections.
