Housing audit needed to address access, accountability
26 July 2016
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape is outraged by the latest mismanagement of municipal accounts by the Gamagara Local Municipality, as evidenced by the campaign of disconnections undertaken last week. It is unfair, illogical and downright unprofessional to disconnect electricity supply when the fault lies with the accuracy of the billing system.
We question the legality of the disconnections. Consumers must be given written notice of the intended disconnection and must be given an opportunity to respond before the plug may be pulled. It is unlawful to disconnect electricity supply without prior notice. And one has to question the legality of a notice that you find in your neighbour’s fence!
Consumers who made payments via the internet had to provide proof of payment, as the payments were not allocated by the municipality. This is not the fault of the consumer and it is unacceptable to punish the consumer for a mistake made by the municipality.
The DA challenges the municipality to reveal whether councillors, municipal officials and their family members are up to date with their accounts. We often hear rumours that those who are politically connected are never disconnected, no matter how large their debts may be.
We encourage residents to vote for an accountable, professional municipal administration on the 3rd of August and to vote for the change that will take Gamagara forward again.
Queries:
Andrew Louw
DA Provincial Leader in the Northern Cape
082 383 6914
Tharina Whittaker
Researcher
076 551 0312
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