Long queues as electricity is cut
RESIDENTS had to stand in long queues outside the Sol Plaatje municipal offices this week after the electricity supply of those in arrears was cut.
Angry residents stated that they were sent from the municipal offices in Galeshewe to the Civic Centre offices on Tuesday morning because the system was off line.
“We have been queuing here since the early hours of the morning and have to return again as the office closed before we could get to the front of the queue.”
Some residents called for the Sol Plaatje executive mayor to be removed from office.
“We do not have R500 to unblock our metres. Last month we paid R500 and this month our electricity was blocked again so we had to pay another R500. It is unfair that ministers who earn exorbitant salaries are entitled to free water and electricity while the poor have their basic services cut. It is inhumane as many of those affected are the elderly and sickly.”
Other community members standing in the queue added that their electricity supply was suspended after they had entered into payment agreements with the municipality.
“We will stage a sit-in at the mayor’s office until our power is restored. How can they cut the electricity when the winter is approaching.”
Spokesperson for Sol Plaatje Municipality, Thoko Riet, said they were aware of the long queues due to a number of residents whose electricity has been blocked.
“For those households that have a challenge of affordability we encourage them to go to our credit control section who will be able to assist them with payment arrangements. We also encourage residents who qualify as indigents to register . . . our dedicated officials are ready to assist them.”
She also encouraged residents who are in arrears to make monthly arrangements to avoid their electricity from being blocked.
“Due to the long queues our teams at credit control and the indigents sections will close a little later so that we are able to assist those affected.”
Riet stated that the both Galeshewe offices as well as the Civic Centre would open at 7.45am and close at 6pm to assist affected residents.
She added that they interrupted the electricity supply of 25 000 households, businesses and government departments that were in arrears since April 3.
“There have been some prepaid customers who have not purchased electricity for up to a year. We will investigate whether electricity is being by-passed or if it is an illegal connection.”
