Eastern Cape Municipalities owe Eskom a staggering R2.8 billion.
That's according to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in reply to questions from the Democratic Alliance.
In the reply, the Department also noted that these Municipalities have raised their inability to pay Eskom, but have yet to enter into payment agreements with the power utility, despite being urged to.
Among the top six Eastern Cape Municipalities that owe Eskom the most are the Enoch Mgijima, Walter Sisulu, and Raymond Mhlaba Municipalities.
DA MPL, Vicky Knoetze, who raised the questions in the Legislature, said the money collected from residents and businesses by these Municipalities for electricity, must be ring-fenced by them.
She says it is of vital importance for Provincial Government to intervene because without intervention the debt will continue year after year.
The main culprits are:
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality - R 743 Million.
Walter Sisulu Local Municipality - R 444 Million.
King Sabata Dalinyebo Municipality - R 132 Million.
Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality - R 265 Million.
Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality - R 325 Million.
Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality - R 285 Million.
