Johnathan Paoli
THE City of Ekurhuleni has removed and confiscated tons of cables and other illegal electric supply equipment as part of the Siyakhokha Siyathuthuka programme in order to clamp down on illegal electricity throughout Germiston.
Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed on Monday the removal of illegal connections in buildings allegedly hijacked throughout Germiston CBD.
Dlamini said the operation was led by the Finance Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Jongizizwe Dlabathi, in a bid to boost the coffers of the city by ensuring that people understood the importance of paying for services.
Additionally, defaulters and residents and businesses that steal water and electricity from the municipality were targeted as part of the Credit Control Outreach Program.
Dlamini confirmed that currently the city is owed more than R65 million by businesses, residents and hijacked buildings in the Germiston area alone.
He was joined by the MMC for Energy, Mzayifani Ngwenya in monitoring and disconnecting businesses using electricity illegally in the city.
“Tenants are being charged R1500 inclusive of water and electricity. This means that these buildings are not paying to the city, despite charging the tenants. That’s why we are doing this operation to make sure we do our checks and balances and make sure we get our revenue from these buildings,” Ngwenya.
The spokesperson said seven properties were disconnected, and five fines issued to shop owners operating without the proper paperwork on Sunday.
“The magnitude of the work that needs to be done in terms of this campaign is huge, especially in the area of Credit Control. Be that as it may, we are determined to go out every week scaling the whole of Ekurhuleni preaching the Siyakhokha gospel until we have won the battle,” Dlabathi said.
He said communities must take into account the importance of the payment of services and the impact that will have in improving the services offered by the city.
The MMC said the city will assist those residents unable to pay.
“Those who are currently experiencing financial difficulties must come forward and make arrangements to settle these,” he said.
Dlabathi said the current administration is committed to maintaining financial stability while addressing the needs of our residents and driving sustainable urban development.
He outlined a recovery plan emphasising financial stability, supply chain management, expenditure and budget management, financial discipline, and audit performance improvement.
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