Ulundi electricians uncover 116 illegal connections

ULUNDI Municipality has raised concerns over widespread electricity theft in Zondela after it was revealed just four households of 120 were paying for power.

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Municipal manager (MM) Sandile Khomo said officials were dispatched last Saturday to repair a faulty transformer in Ward 22 when the discovery was made.

The remaining 116 households were connected but not paying.

“It is with great concern and sadness that an incident of violence directed at officials from the Department of Technical Services: Electricity Unit occurred while they were carrying out their duties in the area,” said Khomo.

Following the discovery, the municipality cut electricity to both the Zondela and Mbangayiya areas until meter audits are completed and illegal connections removed.

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This forms part of an ongoing municipal audit process. Khomo added that the municipality is under severe financial strain, with its Eskom account standing at R25-million for this month alone.

“One particular household in Zondela was found to have last purchased electricity from the municipality as far back as 2018. We wish to emphasise that door-to-door meter audits will continue across all affected areas until the process is complete,” said the MM.

Khomo urged residents to cooperate with officials and avoid violence, saying such behaviour delays service delivery.

“We appeal to all residents to regularise their electricity usage and play their part in ensuring the sustainability of service delivery,” he said.

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