Both parties have agreed on signing an agreement that allows Eskom to distribute electricity to the residents.

Maluti-a-Phofung, which includes Qwaqwa, Kestel, and Harrismith, has been accountable for the power distribution for too long. Residents wanted Eskom to take over.

Since last year, the topic of Eskom taking over as the electricity distributor in this cash-strapped municipality has been a topic of discussion for every resident. The residents have waited too long to see this happen.

After not hearing anything from the municipality about whether or not Eskom will take over, some residents started losing confidence. Most of them had no trust anymore, if what they wanted, will happen.

Residents had the same desire. One of the residents is Moleleki Moleleki, who said: "I honestly have no trust in our municipality – if they will sign an agreement with Eskom about taking over as the electricity distributor." Moleleki says this matter has been discussed for too long now without any progress.

Another resident, Mbali Tshabalala, says this will be good news for all residents who stay in this municipality. "It has been long since we've waited to hear this news. With Eskom taking over as an electricity distributor, nothing will stop me from buying electricity because I know it will never be turned on and off as the municipality does."

The Eskom provincial spokesperson, Stephanie Jansen van Rensburg, confirmed to OFM News that, "indeed we are concluding the agreement with MAP. The municipality has signed an agreement and it is currently being reviewed by our legal team".

OFM News/Tumelo Khotha