UMHLATHUZE Municipality leadership and South African National Civil Organisation (SANCO) representatives were left in the dark when the electricity went off during their closed meeting at Hlanganani Community Hall in eSikhaleni last Wednesday.
Leaders were discussing the township’s electricity, water and rates’ crisis when the blackout occurred.
These issues had emerged at a community meeting four weeks ago.
Furious residents complained about high rates’ increases, newly installed water meters in the rural section of the township and crime. They believed their houses were incorrectly evaluated and wanted a second assessment.
Residents, who were ready to march, also said they were fed-up about electricity outages without prior notification.
‘No one ever tells us that our electricity will be off and for how long. They just do what they want, and we have had enough,’ said one resident.
On Wednesday, Sanco regional secretary, Thembinkosi Mthembu, issued a list of houses that were given a high rate increase. Other community issues such as damaged roads, water and electricity reconnection fees and transport problems were also on the list.
‘We still don’t have an answer from the municipality regarding residents’ problems. We are just disappointed in the staff and some officials who drag their feet on this matter. At our previous meeting, they had promised a resolution, but a month later we still have nothing. People are already paying these high rates with money they don’t have. ‘While the leadership take their time, people are still affected.’ said Mthembu.
After three meetings, municipal leaders requested more time to assess the situation and find resolutions.
According to Mthembu, another meeting will be arranged with the municipality next week and another with the community.
