‘Pay up, or lights off’

The KwaZulu-Natal government is urgently trying to avert electricity interruptions in the Newcastle local municipality after it racked up electricity debt of more than R200 million.

Yesterday, cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka urged residents “to pay for municipal services, including electricity, as their failure to do so puts a huge strain on the dwindling finances of municipalities”.

He said business and consumer electricity debt was the main reason for escalating costs.

“What we are dealing with in Newcastle is a challenge that is facing municipalities across the country. It is the failure by residents and businesses to keep up to date with their utility bills.”

A notice of intent to interrupt electricity supply to Newcastle was published over the weekend and September 30 was the deadline for payment.

The municipality has overdue debt to power utility Eskom of about R200 million.

Hlomuka said while the government was committed to working with municipalities to find a solution, residents should prioritise paying for all municipal services.

“We have seen many cases where households prioritise entertainment, DStv and airtime, instead of paying for utilities first. This behaviour has to change,” he said.

Hlomuka has also urged municipalities to implement stringent measures to recover lost revenue, which includes fining or prosecuting those found to have illegal electricity connections.

“The law has to take its course. It is untenable that the financial stability of municipalities is at risk due to those who refuse to pay for electricity,” he said.

“The implications of power interruptions would be a major setback for the economic prospects of Newcastle. Power cuts would impact on jobs and investments. They would dissuade potential investors. It is time for everyone to pull together and avert a power crisis in Newcastle,” he said.

Hlomuka said senior Cogta officials were engaging with Eskom to find a lasting solution. – News24 Wire