Local News
Power cut surprised Dihlabeng, says Eskom didn't provide feedback─── 16:08 Thu, 02 Oct 2014
Bethlehem - The Dihlabeng Municipality in Bethlehem in the Free State was surprised to learn about Eskom’s intentions to disconnect electricity in their area tomorrow.
Dihlabeng’s spokesperson, Tsheliso Maitse, says the municipality has submitted a payment plan to Eskom, but never received any feedback from them.
This comes after Eskom’s announcement that they will cut power supply at this municipality and at the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Qwaqwa and the Ngwathe Municipality in Parys.
The power cut will affect more than a million people. Maitse says hopefully a resolution can be reached before tomorrow.
The affected municipalities have defaulted or short-paid on their current account for a prolonged period and have substantial arrear debt. According to Eskom the Maluti-a-Phofung owes R418.6 million, Ngwathe owes R257.9 million and Dihlabeng has the debt of R59.1 million.
Dihlabeng reported early in September 2014 that they will be paying Eskom R12 million per month towards their arrears which they thought would have stretched until November 2015.
Meanwhile Mediclinic Hoogland in Bethlehem is geared if electricity supply in the Dihlabeng Municipality is disconnected tomorrow. Hospital spokesperson, Karien Collett, says they are prepared for the worst.
Refilwe Mekoa and Owen Kock/OFM News
