EMLM settles arrears commitments with Eskom

ENOCH Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) has paid off a huge chunk of its debt to Eskom.

The payment was made from its equitable share allocation last Friday in an effort to settle debts at the start of the new financial year on July 1.

The local authority is currently up to date with both its current account and the payment plan signed with Eskom in May.

The Rep reported (“Power cuts put on hold” May 4) that in the payment plan agreement signed between EMLM and Eskom, the municipality undertook to pay R10m on or before March 31, R24m on or before July 31 and another R10m on or before November 30 this year.

EMLM municipal manager Chris Magwangqana, speaking during a special council meeting on Monday, said the municipality had paid R110m to Eskom from July last year to date.

“In terms of our commitments of the current financial year, we paid R16m in June and R40m this month. According to the payment plan agreement, we were supposed to pay R24m by the end of this month but Eskom indicated we could pay 50% which amounts to R12m due to our evident commitment to paying our debt.

“We have two more remaining payments to Eskom of R10m by the end of November and another R10m by March next year.

“However we hope to pay off the whole amount in 14 days if it is possible.”

Another promise that was on its way to fulfilment was the fixing of the Ezibeleni roads which had Transport MEC Weziwe Tikana handing over the Yellow Fleet last Friday to assist in the renewal of a 6km stretch of road in the area which will be made out of paving bricks.

EMLM executive mayor Sisisi Tolashe indicated during an ANC prayer session in the Nonzwakazi Methodist Church last Sunday that the use of paving brick to redo pothole-ridden streets would be the most cost-effective option.

“Paving bricks create more jobs than using tar and they are cheaper but, most importantly, it is easier to remove a broken brick and replace it than redoing a patch in need of tar in the middle of the road.”

Tolashe said the fixing of roads, payment of municipal debts, including that of Eskom and Milowo Trading Enterprise, and revenue collection were some of the pressing issues to be tackled in the 2018-19 financial year.

Eskom spokesman Zama Mpondwana confirmed EMLM’s current account was up to date after a payment last Friday.