The Ekurhuleni Metro’s announcement that more than 6 000 illegal electricity connections in Riverside, Palm Ridge, have been removed is painted as a major success, but the tangible results tell a different story.
Only eleven fines were issued, with a total value of R84 564, while the Metro’s own penalty tariffs indicate that the amount should have exceeded R27 million.
This sharp discrepancy creates the impression that the so-called operation was more of a publicity stunt than a serious law enforcement action.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) points out that actual law enforcement entails much more than simply removing cables; offenders should be identified and fined, criminal cases have to be opened, lost revenue must be recovered and re-connections prevented. Without these steps, the operation is superficial and misleads taxpayers who are under severe financial strain.
The Metro is, therefore, called upon to explain why only eleven fines were issued after more than 6 000 removals; and to release a comprehensive report indicating how many connections were removed per ward, how many fines were issued, how much revenue was recovered, how many criminal cases were lodged and what steps have been taken to prevent re-connections.
Paying residents should not have to look on as a half-hearted attempt at law enforcement is painted as a success.
The Metro has to prove that it is serious about law enforcement, and that ratepayers’ interests and service delivery come first.
