Residents in Thubelihle are not happy following the removal of illegal connections in this township.
Early this morning the Ga-Nala/Bethal Road was blocked at the Thubelihle entrance where residents burned tyres.
According to information received residents demanded that the electricity be restored after the illegal connections were removed on Thursday, January 19.
These illegal connections are one of the huge factors that played a role in the escalating of the Eskom account skyrocketing to almost R1-billion in arrears.
Mr Theo van Vuuren, municipal manager reported that little progress, after talks with Eskom, can be reported.
“As the possibility of bulk interruptions are real and unless Eskom also move from their position they took, the bulk interruptions may be applied from Monday. Contingency plans to deal with water disruptions and traffic problems are been put in place,” Van Vuuren said.
“We will continue with various initiatives, like the removal illegal connections, to move the municipality out of this problem and this include the securing of alternative green energy sources,” he said.
In areas where high levels of illegal connections are occurring smart meters and a protective structure system are in the pipeline. This programme will be rolled out with assistance from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Anglo American has been rolled out. If all goes well this programme will be finalised in the near future.
Residents are in the meantime warned to be careful and to try and avoid the Ga-Nala/Bethal Road.
WITBANK NEWS will keep readers updated as the situation unfolds.
ALSO READ:
Residents want jobs and electricity
Plunging into darkness
Decision made: Lights out for eMalahleni
