Eskom has suspended the planned interruption of bulk power supply to Emalahleni Local Municipalities after reaching an agreement for the settlements of its arrears debt.
Eskom is expecting a council resolution by close of business today.
“Eskom will continue to work with all municipalities to develop long term sustainable plans that ensure that municipalities stay out of the debt trap,” the power entity said in a statement.
Eskom is obliged to supply electricity on a financially sustainable basis. Should the municipality fail to honour the afore-mentioned payment agreement, Eskom reserves the right to implement the interruptions within seven days of the breach.
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza is having a chat with Emalahleni Mayor Lindiwe Ntshalintshali after the meeting on Wednesday, March 1 to address the status of municipal debt owed to Eskom.
Municipal customers are encouraged to engage with their supply authorities to get updated information on their municipalities’ arrears situation.
Municipal Manager Mr Theo van Vuuren welcomed Eskom’s decision and said the municipality will participate in a technical team meeting to explore initiatives needed to develop long term sustainability on electricity utilisation in municipalities.
“The need for all to honour their accounts and especially to make use of the incentives in respect of arrears is as high as before to enable us to meet the payment arrangements agreed to. Today see a continuation of protest by groups in Rietspruit after the non-payers electricity was disconnected yesterday. Following the burning of a truck yesterday the substation was also damaged resulting in the area been totally without electricity. Municipal teams will only be able to move in to do repairs once the area is declared save by the SAPS. Please note that this disruption will affect water supply and we hope that we can correct it as soon as possible,” he said.
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