KAROO NEWS - Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality has published a notice informing residents that a 100% block on the  purchase of prepaid electricity is being implemented today, 9 May, on all arrear rates, services and water accounts. 

This means that people who owe the municipality money for these services will be unable to buy electricity until they have settled their outstanding bills. 

Residents are appalled by the fact that, in addition to this decision, the municipality failed to give them adequate notice. The announcement was published yesterday, 8 May, and did not afford residents time to make plans for the payment of their arrears. In terms of the notice, residents are urged to visit their municipal offices for assistance with debt relief options. 

DA Shadow Minister of Electricity, Samantha Graham-Maré describes the municipality's decision to implement the block as "absolutely brutal". 

She urged those who are in arrears who are eligible for the Intergovernmental Grant (IGG) to urgently apply for it at the municipal offices or through their councillors. This decision may, again, give rise to tensions in the community as some areas are supplied with electricity by Eskom directly and, therefore, remain unaffected by any municipal blockage. This has previously been challenged by civil society organisations who considered it to be discriminatory.

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