Eskom debt: Masilonyana Municipality seeks government intervention

The Masilonyana Municipality in the Free State has sought government’s intervention regarding their Eskom debt. Municipal spokesperson, Zongezile Ntjwabule, said this came after they received a written notice from Eskom last week that their power would be cut on March 30 should they not pay their outstanding debt. Eight Free State municipalities, including Masilonyana, Ngwathe, Dihlabeng and Mantsopa have received notifications from Eskom. The power utility said it will cut electricity supply to these municipalities in an effort to force them to pay their arrears, amounting to R842 million. Ntjwabule says Masilonyana, which includes the towns of Brandfort, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei and Winburg, owes Eskom close to R20 million.

“At this stage we are aware of Eskom's notice and have sought intervention from the Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).”

Meanwhile, Dihlabeng Municipality spokesperson, Tshediso Maitse, says they proposed a payment plan to Eskom last week and hope to reach an amicable solution. Dihlabeng, comprising Bethlehem, Fouriesburg and Clarens, owes Eskom more than R50 million.

The other six Free State municipalities which owe Eskom money are Nketoana, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Mantsopa, Nala and Phumelele.