Members and supporters of the Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga are concerned about the Mbombela Municipality’s failure to settle Eskom’s electricity bill. They marched to the Mbombela Municipality’s offices to submit a memorandum of grievances.
The march was led by DA’s provincial leader James Masango. According to Masango, the march is part of their campaign against municipalities that are struggling to settle their electricity bills.
Early October, Eskom started power cuts in municipalities that are struggling to settle their electricity bill.
Power cuts are still experienced in Thaba Chweu.
Masango accused the Mbombela Municipality of mismanagement.
“This municipality is owing something like a R150 000 to Eskom, but you must remember that this municipality is also owing other suppliers that is not paying them within the 30 days that is required by the PFMA and we just heard yesterday that this municipality is also owing the Department of Water and Sanitation.”
Acting Municipal Manager Neil Diamond accepted the memorandum of grievances.
Mbombela Municipality’s Spokesperson Joseph Ngala says the municipality is safe from a blackout.
“We take note of what the marchers have indicated. However, we need to indicate to communities and consumers out there that we have since moved a long way with Eskom. We have reached an agreement, payment has been presented to Eskom, which has been accepted. We have already paid some amount towards servicing the debts that we have with Eskom.”
The has DA called on the municipality to address the electricity debt crisis within the next 14 days.
