GRAHAMSTOWN NEWS - An interdict was granted in the Grahamstown High Court last week Thursday 6 June, that prohibits Eskom from disconnecting power to the Inxuba Yethemba Municipality because of a R98,5m-debt owed to the electricity supplier.

Municipal Manager Xolela Msweli previously promised that R10m of the outstanding debt would be paid, but this was not done.

However, Eskom issued a statement on Friday 7 June, that the interruption of bulk electricity supply for the municipality has been temporarily suspended until further notice.

The court ruling came as a relief to the residents of Cradock and Middelburg, as Eskom previously announced that 14-hour supply interruption will be implemented until full payment is received, or a payment agreement is reached.

“Eskom reiterates that the implementation of electricity supply interruption to defaulting municipalities is only done as a last resort,” said spokesperson Zama Mpondwana.

The two areas already had a taste of power cuts in the first two weeks of June.

Residents have many questions as to what has happened to the money paid to the municipality, in good faith, for electricity. Residents want electricity income to be ringfenced to pay Eskom, so that there would at least be some reduction in the money owing.

Msweli concluded his statement by apologising to the communities that were affected by the power disruptions.

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