The Gamagara local municipality is among the many local authorities in the country confronted with many operating challenges and, on top of the list, is the roaring Eskom bill.

In an interview with the municipal manager of the municipality, Protea Leserwane was very bold and reiterated that there was no reason for trying to hide the state of affairs.

Responding to numerous questions raised by the Kathu Gazette regarding the new billing system that has seen some corporate and households without electricity for non-compliance, Mr Leserwane articulated the story.

“Firstly, I must concede that we owe Eskom a colossal amount. This does not mean, however, that as a municipality we are arrogant. We made a special regular monthly payment arrangement to the effect that when we breach the arrangement, we confront Eskom in utmost good faith and within logical time limits.

Consequential to that arrangement, there are no disconnections. The credit control policy is in place. The implementation of this system has, to a great extent, marked some great improvement in both companies and households paying their bills on time.

Without favour or prejudice, as the municipality, we simply disconnect any defaulting customer. This has expedited the revenue inflows from 35% to 51% and we are encouraged to maintain the system because it has yielded desirable outcomes.

In a nutshell, we are equally sharing the responsibility on a pro rata basis with consumers in ensuring that Eskom is paid its dues. Since we have been taking the stringent route to disconnect defaulters, there is prompt response. Defaulters are the reason why sufficient funds cannot be paid to Eskom by the municipality.

We all have an equal responsibility as consumers to pay our bills on time so we can remit to Eskom on time to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity. The municipality has a payment arrangement available to consumers who are unable to settle their arrears at once. Individuals who may qualify as indigents must come and register. The municipality, Mr Leserwane concluded, will not treat customers differently -regardless whether corporate or individual – both ought to meet their obligations.