Start spreading the news, you’re not leaving today.
The Supreme Court in Bloemfontein ruled in favour of the Lekwa Ratepayers Association (LRPA) the past week, where the battle against the NMD-limit of 55 as regulated by Eskom, was won.
The association’s Facebook-post indicated that the power utility is obliged to lift the limit, with immediate effect.
“It is with much joy and relief that we can finally share the verdict,” the post read.
For the uninitiated, the untenable position of being subjected to hours without power began two years ago, in the winter.
It is no secret that the Lekwa Municipality owes Eskom an exorbitant amount of money, running into a billion plus.
Eskom subsequently took Lekwa to task for not honouring the repayment agreement, added interest on the figure, and so-called Lekwa-shedding was introduced.
Mr Gary van Aswegen, deputy chairman of the LRPA, spoke about the victory on a national radio station on Tuesday, January 25, outlining that residents will not be subjected to power interruptions because of the debt.
Mr Van Aswegen said that damage was wrought in the meantime to the business community, schools and old age home.
“This verdict has an enormous impact on the town,” he added.
The LRPA decided on court proceedings against Eskom and not Lekwa, taking possible avenues of litigation into account.
With a view to not getting embroiled in political infighting, the first option was deemed necessary.
“About 92% of resident use pre-paid meters at the moment,” he commented.
“Residents suffered because of Lekwa’s debt.”
According to him, the community was penalised in the process.
He expressed however, hope for the future and said the association has an open door to the new, political dispensation at the municipality.
The most important aspect was the lack of engagement in the past about a repayment agreement.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted Mr Van Aswegen on January 25, who admitted that challenges with regard to infrastructure remain.
“A legal precedent has been set for other towns in the same boat,” he added.
“We are thankful to the individuals (95), who contributed from the start and especially towards the business owners (75), who supported this case.”
Mr Van Aswegen also said the past week that the LRPA will focus on bigger projects now such as water supply and roads.
LRPA is engaging with the administrator, Mr Johann Mettler, council and bigger entities such as Astral as well.
“There are still challenges that need to be addressed, but the power will not trip due to overloading anymore,” he concluded.
“We intend to get to the root of the problems and not treat the symptoms.”
