Eskom is not on winning wicket

So, Jimney (The Citizen, 26 February) thinks Eskom has won again because the electricity tariffs have been increased. Think again. If Eskom was paid for every kWh it produced there would be more than enough money to do proper maintenance and service debt. There is even the possibility tariffs could be reduced.

If any normal supplier of goods is not paid, then supply stops.

In the case of Eskom, the courts have ruled that it must continue to provide supply, even if municipalities are in arrears.

In November 2020 those arrears totalled R30.1 billion.

Eskom’s net loss after tax for the financial year ending March, 2020, was R20.5 billion.

The councillors in the municipalities in arrears appear to be more interested in ensuring that their substantial salaries and housing allowances, car allowances, cellphones, medical aid and pension contributions are paid before any suppliers.

If suppliers were paid first, those same councillors would suddenly find the political will to ensure that their customers actually paid for what they use. Mervyn Bick

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