SECUNDA – Councillors must lead by example by paying for services or they will be cut off from the electricity grid.
This was a warning delivered by Mr Nhlakanipho Zuma, Govan Mbeki Municipality’s executive mayor during a council sitting on Thursday, 27 May, to approve the 2020/2021 financial year budget and IDP.
Council also approved a 50 per cent incentive scheme for residents who are in debt with the municipality and 30 per cent for businesses.
“We must pay so that we can pay Eskom. The acting municipal manager and I are continuously engaging Eskom that we will pay what we have, but we cannot pay the historical debt.
“How can you go out and tell the community to pay, while you are not paying?,” asked Mr Zuma.
He said the problem of electricity in Bethal is the same as that of eMbalenhle.
He said substations will blow up if the Notified Maximum Demand ( NMD) is increased.
Mr Zuma explained that transformers are being installed in Bethal and eMzinoni through the company that was appointed by the Gert Sibande District Municipality.
This is to split loads, including to split meters to curb the issue of people who are stealing electricity.
“Only then shall we engage with Eskom to increase the Notified Maximum Demand if there is a need.
“We are faced with a situation where Eskom says we don’t need additional energy, but we need to cut off all those who are illegally connected to the grid, and those who are part of the grid to pay their accounts.”
Mr Zuma said at eMbalenhle, GMM agreed that Eskom installs an additional transformer. This is currently in the installation process.
“But the problem is not going to end because electricity is being stolen and our infrastructure is not capable of carrying the load of electricity that flows through it. It is necessary to take action against those who are stealing electricity,” said Mr Zuma.
He said councillors must convey the message to the community.
