Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser previously reported that the  Dr Beyers Naude local municipality’s 100% block on the purchase of prepaid electricity on all arrear rates, services, and water accounts has not been implemented. 

The municipality published the notice of this intended block on 8 May, and, in terms of the notice, it was to commence the next day. 

No reports from residents regarding the block were received, and the municipality also failed to respond to a media enquiry in this regard. For this reason, it was assumed that the implementation has been postponed. 

Counsillor Joy Williams confirmed, however, that the blocking already commenced and is implemented in phases. 

It started off with a total block on the accounts of consumers who owe more than R100 000. Subsequently, it was gradually phased down to accounts with less arrear amounts. 

At present, accounts with arrear amounts in excess of R35 000 are blocked.

According to Williams, the decision to implement was motivated by the fact that there are several residents who owe enormous amounts of money but refuse to make arrangements for the payment thereof. 

The 100 % block will force residents to enter into a payment agreement with the municipality and start paying.

Regarding the fact that residents who get electricity directly from Eskom remain unaffected by the block, it was said that the municipality is looking at ways in which this can be addressed. Unfortunately, they do not have any plan in place at present as they can not interfere with the contractual agreement between ESKOM and residents of these areas.

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