The parties yesterday agreed to install prepaid meters for residents in the affected towns as part of a sustainable solution to the municipalities' debt problem.

Eskom this week threatened to cut electricity supply to these municipalities. However, after an urgent intervention by provincial government, the municipalities made payments and submitted payment plans, thus avoiding power interruptions. A second payment, to keep the current account in the green, must now be made by mid February. Negotiations about the review of accruals continue.

The move may come as a welcome solution to residents in Winburg and Senekal whose pleas for prepaid electricity meters have been ignored for years. The office of the Public Protector in the province confirmed it received complaints from residents who've asked for prepaid meters to be installed by their municipality in vain.

OFM News