The FF Plus demands immediate action after Eskom indicated during the week that it is planning to cut, or restrict, the power supply to four Free State Municipalities due to non-payment.
The party brought Eskom’s plan to the attention of the Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr T.Z. Mokoena, and demanded that he urgently intervene in the crisis faced by the Ngwathe, Masilonyana, Moqhaka and Nala Local Municipalities.
All four municipalities agreed to Eskom’s debt-relief programme, but failed to comply with the programme’s conditions.
One of these conditions was that the municipality should at least pay its current power bill when it is due.
Ironically enough, the MEC for Finance, Mr Ketso Makume, has been aware of the municipalities’ non-payment since April 2024, but did nothing to remedy the situation or hold the municipalities accountable.
Although Eskom indicated that there will be an opportunity for public submissions, the FF Plus is concerned that residents will suffer because of the four municipalities’ astronomical debt.
The ANC government in the Free State is to blame for the fact that government owes itself billions and taxpayers are held hostage.
The FF Plus will keep insisting on accountability and effective financial management so as to restore order.
;
