Pensioner is without electricity since April
Zwane asked her if she pays for services, Masuku said she responded by saying yes but the councillor told her that he is going to the municipality to check if she is paying.
eMBALENHLE – Sarah Masuku (66) from Ext 14, eMbalenhle, claims that Govan Mbeki Municipality is unreliable after the cable that provides electricity to her house, was stolen in April.
This senior citizen reported the theft to her ward councillor but never received feedback.
Masuku claims the ward councillor first wanted to check if she paid her account.
“I decided to go to the eMbalenhle Police Station to make an affidavit to prove that my cable was stolen. I then gave it to the ward councillor to present to the municipality.
“He didn’t bother to let me know if I will get a new cable or not. I have not seen him since.
“I was advised by other community members to go to the municipal offices in Secunda. The official who assisted me phoned the eMbalenhle senior technician, who first told the official that I must buy a cable which they will then install.
“The official explained to the senior technician that I am an indigent and a pensioner and I cannot afford the cable,” said Masuku.
Masuku said the technician then asked the official for a confirmation letter which I delivered to the eMbalenhle technical offices.
“A technician came to my house and promised to return with a new cable and install it.
“He never returned and nothing has come of the promise, although I pay for services each month,” said Masuku.
Masuku was surprised to receive a municipal bill of R3 700 while she is paying the municipality monthly from her meagre pension money.
And the account is increasing, even though she has no electricity.
“When I last went to pay for services at the municipal offices in Secunda, I was given a hand-written statement, not the one printed from the system.
“This is suspicious. How reliable are their figures?
“We pensioners make sure to pay rates and taxes every month, but we don’t get the services we deserve, while those who don’t pay, get good services,” said a disgruntled Masuku.
READ MORE: Wife and accomplices sentenced in Delmas High Court after murder of husband
She said if the municipality was aware of how much she has to pay for 1litre of paraffin per day to cook for her and her grandchild, they would take pity on her situation.
Half of Masuku’s pension is spent on paraffin and non-perishable food because there is no electricity for her fridge.
Ridge Times contacted Masuku’s ward councillor, but his cellphone was off.
Donald Green, the acting communications manager for the municipality, said they are aware of Masuku’s matter and plan to install a meter as soon as all the processes have been finalised.
Green also said the municipality’s electricity section is embarking on a metering installation project throughout the municipality’s jurisdiction. This is causing a backlog.
Green asked Masuku to be patient as her meter will swiftly be installed.
