The Executive Mayor of the Makana Municipality Mzukisi Mphalwa has acknowledged the great panic and anxiety caused to residents and small businesses following Eskom's notice to interrupt their bulk electricity services until outstanding fees are paid.
He says Makana has experienced severe cash flow problems since 2013 with Eskom being their biggest creditor being owed R84 478 288.80 as per their last invoice.
Mphalwa says this includes an amount of R12 666 116.30 which is due on the 4th of April.
He has assured everyone that they acted swiftly to avert the interruptions and are planning to pay Eskom over R12 million rand this month.
Eskom warned that if monies are not paid, the municipality will be switched off for between 3/4 hours per day during the first week, with up to 8 hours from the second week.
The Mayor says despite the financial challenges they will be able to pay Eskom's current account.
Mphalwa says once the historical debt is settled they can then focus on all of other service delivery obligations.
