Cuts chaos must be addressed

by Ismail Obaray, MPL – DA Member on the Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs

Date: 19 October 2017
Release: Immediate
Type: Press Statement

The Democratic Alliance urges the Northern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs to obtain some much-needed clarity on the current electricity cuts chaos in the Northern Cape.

After Eskom publicly stated that negotiations with provincial government led to the suspension of intended electricity cuts, it has now come to light that electricity disruptions have continued in some municipalities. This includes the Siyancuma, Renosterberg and Thembelihle Local Municipalities. This state of affairs was also acknowledged during the recent NCOP oversight visit, although Eskom has denied that they have implemented any loadshedding in the Northern Cape.

It is not clear whether it is Eskom which have dishonoured their agreements, if municipalities have already broken their repayment plans or if municipalities are implementing some loadshedding on their own initiative on the sly. Democratic Alliance councillors will be following up in affected municipalities to determine the cause.

It remains unjustifiable that residents must bear the brunt for municipal mismanagement and maladministration. Income generated by electricity sales must be ringfenced for the sole purpose of paying the amounts owed to the power utility as well as for the maintenance of electrical infrastructure. That this is not done, worsens the situation immeasurably.

We have also escalated the matter to our colleagues in Parliament for further investigation.

Media Enquiries

Ismail Obaray, MPL
DA Member on the Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
082 380 2128

Tharina Whittaker
Researcher
071 251 5558