ANC Greater Joburg supports efforts to resolve City Power debt
These interventions are necessary to ensure that the City is able to meet its obligations while safeguarding service delivery to communities
The ANC Greater Joburg Region has welcomed the ongoing engagement between Eskom and the City of Johannesburg.
Discussions are aimed at resolving challenges relating to electricity revenue collection, municipal debt and long-term sustainability of electricity supply in the City.
According to the ANC regional secretary, Sasabona Manganye, the ANC Joburg believes that cooperation between all spheres of government and state entities is critical in ensuring that residents and businesses in Johannesburg continue to receive reliable and uninterrupted electricity services.
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He said the engagement comes at a time when Eskom has raised serious concerns regarding the outstanding debt owed by City Power.
“We note the intervention effort led by the government and the constructive approach adopted by Executive Mayor Dada Morero to engage with Eskom and the Ministry of Electricity and Energy in pursuit of a sustainable solution that protects residents from possible electricity interruptions,” said Manganye.
He stated that the ANC Greater Joburg further supports initiatives aimed at improving revenue collection, strengthening financial governance, modernising billing systems, combating electricity theft, illegal connections and criminal conduct which contribute to electricity losses of up to 30%.
Manganye said these interventions are necessary to ensure that the City is able to meet its obligations while safeguarding service delivery to communities.
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“We remain committed to building a capable, developmental and responsive local government that prioritises service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and accountability.
“We call on all stakeholders, including residents, businesses and community organisations to work together to promote a culture of payment for services and protect public infrastructure from vandalism and illegal activities,” he said.
He said the ANC Greater Joburg Region, therefore, calls upon all ANC deployees serving in the City of Johannesburg Council to cooperate fully with Eskom in implementing practical and sustainable interventions aimed at stabilising the entity, improving revenue generation and restoring public confidence in the City’s ability to deliver reliable electricity services.
