Municipality denies blame as power cuts turn deadly

THE UMSOBOMVU Local Municipality has distanced itself from any liability in the event of fatalities linked to electricity supply interruptions due to non-payment. 

The municipality stated that residents were responsible for settling their accounts and warned that continued defaulting could result in prolonged power outages.

Residents are calling for the municipality to be dissolved and intend to establish a ratepayers' association trust with the aim of withholding rates and taxes from the municipality.

Community members met with a legal representative this week to discuss the validity of the municipality’s electricity policy.

This follows protest action that culminated in a march to the municipal offices on July 10, where residents vowed to intensify their demonstrations.

A special council meeting was convened, during which a resolution was passed to temporarily unblock the electricity supply of indigent residents.

However, residents said they remained destitute, as they could not afford the R800 unblocking fee.

“Where will we get the money? Our outstanding debts have not been written off, and it means we will be in the same dire situation next month. It’s only a temporary solution. We are willing to go to extreme measures for our voices to be heard. Our lives don’t matter,” they said.

Community representative Johannes Williams stated that several residents had died after their electricity supply was disconnected.

“Several elderly Sassa grant beneficiaries and indigents are dependent on oxygen machines, and diabetic patients need to keep their insulin refrigerated at a specific temperature.”

He added that a couple had died after making a fire to keep warm following their power disconnection.

“The majority are indigents who cannot afford to pay for services.”

The acting municipal manager at Umsobomvu Municipality, Themsile Msengana, said the local authority could not be held liable for any deaths resulting from the electricity supply being cut due to customers being in arrears.

He stated that the municipality owed Eskom R26.8 million, while ratepayers owed the municipality R471.8 million.

“Indigents are expected to pay the difference if they exceed the subsidised amount on their electricity bills.

“The electricity supply was interrupted after customers entered into payment agreements with the municipality to settle their arrears, as they had been consuming in excess of the free services offered.”

Msengana added that, according to municipal policy, arrangements could be made for a third party to enter into a payment agreement on behalf of someone who was in arrears, provided that consent was granted by the account holder.

“We will definitely oppose any legal application, as we are implementing our council-approved policy derived from legislation.”

He said no further protest action was expected.