By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 3000 households in Vryburg, North West were left impoverished after the Naledi Local Municipality cut off their electricity due to non-payment. One of the community leaders, Keneilwe Pipi (35) said the municipality blocked their electricity metres and demand they pay R700 before the blockage can be lifted.
“The municipality alleged that we owe it rates and taxes and many households are now without electricity. It has been over a month since the electricity metres were blocked and several residents have been struggling to pay their municipal bills.
“With blocks placed on the meters, residents are unable to buy electricity until they pay the R700 the municipality demand for the blockage to be lifted,” she said.
Pipi said they have been trying to engage with the municipality and plea for leniency, however, nothing positive came out of those negotiations.
She also alleged that, the municipality sent them the outstanding electricity bills amounting to R14 000 each household, however, (the municipality) failed dismally to explain how they (residents) have accumulated it.
“Most households affected are poor and rely on social grants as their main income. We understand that there is a budget for free basic services allocated for indigents, but we have not received any forms from the municipality.
Another resident, Aubrey Munyai said what the municipality did was unfair because they do not receive any basic services from it. Munyai said roads are inaccessible in their area, no clean and drinkable water, while sewer spillages are the order of the day.
“The municipality does not take us seriously as residents. Our roads are not accessible, especially during the rainy season, but we should keep quiet. The municipality never bothers itself to come and assess water metre readings, but sent us huge municipal bills,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Naledi Local Municipal Manager, Modisaotsile Segapo said the implementation of disconnection is a result of non-payment of services. Segapo said the communities in all affected areas were informed timeously before the execution of electricity cut-offs.
“Yes, it is true that the municipality has commenced with its implementation to cut off electricity to all areas, where they are licensed and authorised to. The cut-off is part of the mechanism by the council to implement debt collection.
“So, the disconnection is implemented in all areas such as Kismet, Vryburg Town, Colridge, and both Extension 25 and 28. In relation to the Extension 25 and 28 areas, the communities have already been notified during the month of March 2021 and again in April 2022,” he said.
He further said in November 2021, the municipality embarked on the indigent registration process, which included both extensions. Segapo added that the households affected are those that do not qualify for the indigent.
“The areas affected are either places operating as a business or rented out and also those who did not come forward to make arrangements. The municipality has decided to implement the minimum of R700 as payment at this stage, which includes a portion of the outstanding,” said Segapo.
He said most of the households in the area, owe the municipality around R14 000 for services.
The Guardian 