The Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality has started to cut the power supply of people whose accounts are in arrears in Upington and surrounding areas, this is in contravention of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
The FF Plus pointed out to the municipal manager that to do so is unlawful in several respects.
In terms of the lockdown regulations, debt collection for essential services is explicitly prohibited. Residents were also not informed of the intention to cut their power supply. And even if they had been informed, it would be against the law to visit the municipal office to lodge a dispute with regard to the account.
While the FF Plus does recognise municipalities' duty to protect their income base, it must be done in a fair and lawful manner.
The FF Plus warned the municipal manager that if power supply is not restored, the party will take up the matter with the Department of Local Government.
Contact details: 083 357 3865
;
