The DA in Govan Mbeki calls on Gert Sibande District Municipality to urgently intervene and investigate the exorbitant tariff hikes in the municipality.
Previously, it was agreed that for the 2024/25 financial year the electricity tariff would increase by 9.86%.
However, we have discovered that between the 5th of July and 6th of August, residents that fall under block 2 category of prepaid electricity were subject to a 16.21% tariff hike.
The municipality’s top brass has conceded that it would appear that there are discrepancies in the block 2 category. They have further committed to opening an investigation and reimbursing affected households.
Noting the high levels of unemployment in Govan Mbeki, we find this alleged error unacceptable. The municipality’s electrical and finance division needs to start taking accountability and perform their duties with due diligence.
Just last year, we learnt that the municipality’s electricity distribution loss was sitting at an alarming 63%. The losses consisted of both technical losses (10%) and non-technical losses (53%).
Therefore, this goes to show that there are serious shortcomings in the municipality’s energy division that is directly affecting every household in Govan Mbeki. The DA does not buy into the notion that the municipality will impartially investigate this matter.
We urge the municipality to release a report on their findings and bring the matter to council for effective measures and solutions to be implemented.
Residents of Govan Mbeki deserve an effective and competent government. With this in mind, we also call on the District Municipality to step in and bring stability to the municipality’s Technical Service Department.