A formal statement released by the DA on July 8 confirmed that the Emalahleni Local Municipality has agreed to support the party’s proposal to establish a specialised Electrical Protection Unit (EPU).

The decision comes after DA councillor Lizelle Steyn raised concerns about the municipality’s electricity revenue losses.

Recent figures show that the city is currently losing 24.85% of the electricity it purchases, with distribution losses recorded at 30% during the 2024/25 financial year.

“Over the past couple of years, the municipality has been struggling to clamp down on illegal electricity connections, meter tampering, infrastructure vandalism and outdated infrastructure that is approximately fifty years old,” Steyn said.

She added that the establishment of the EPU, which intends to focus on technical and non-technical losses, is a victory for every resident of eMalahleni.

READ MORE: Pre-prayer rally taking place in eMalahleni on Saturday

“The EPU will help improve the reliability of electricity supply to residents,“ she said. “The DA will closely monitor the unit to ensure it produces tangible results and does not become another resolution that remains unimplemented.”

According to Steyn, the establishment of the EPU is expected to strengthen the municipality’s ability to safeguard public resources, reduce financial losses and restore confidence in service delivery.The municipality has not responded yet.

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