Council pays R79-m to Eskom
The Govan Mbeki Municipality urges residents not to panic about Eskom power cuts.
HIGHVELD – The negotiation between the Govan Mbeki Municipality and Eskom regarding possible power cuts in April, are fruitful and promising.
This was the sentiment of Mr Khulu Phasiwe, spokesman of Eskom, after meetings with Council.
He said the municipality is showing commitment to resolve the matter amicably.
“They are doing what we have been calling them to do.
“We wanted them to come to the table and negotiate and we hope they will stick to the commitment.”
Council apparently paid R38 million on the current account and R41 million on the old debt recently.
Mr Bheki Kubheka, head of Communications and Marketing of the municipality, said Council is working around the clock to ensure that Eskom does not cut the power in April.
He said the municipality remains confident that an agreement favourable to both parties will be reached soon.
“We urge the community not to panic and urge those owing the municipality, to pay.”
Eskom announced in February that the discontinuation of electricity supply to the Govan Mbeki Municipality will be effective from 11 April after Council’s failure to honour its agreement.
The contemplated interruption of electricity supply will result in temporary scheduled disconnections at the following times:
Monday to Friday from 6am to 10am and from 5pm to 9pm.
Saturday to Sunday from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm.
However Mr Phasiwe said there will be no power cuts if Council keeps to its commitment.
He said the municipality must make sure that they do not skip payments, otherwise the power cuts will be executed.
