City power installs meters despite protests
ALEXANDRA - The Joburg city power returned to Tsutsumani this morning to continue connecting new electricity metres which the community disrupted yesterday for alleged lack of consultation.
City Power returned to Tsutsumani to continue connecting new electricity meters after previously being prevented by residents from doing so.
Residents said they were not consulted about the new meters.
This resulted in the community meeting with councillor Joyce Ngwenya of Ward 75 in the presence of local police. An agreement was reached to suspend the connection of the meters pending another meeting at which the relevant MMC and city power officials would attend to address the community’s concerns.
In addition to the alleged lack of consultation, the community said they were informed by residents of other areas where similar meters were installed that the electricity bills were higher.
DA councillor Shadrack Mkhonto who attended the meeting said the city council had indeed approved the new meters, but that the installations should be subject to communities being consulted. “Council generally seeks communities’ consent to any new development coming to their area,” he said.
Mkhonto who lives in an area where the new meters have been installed said he had noticed the higher costs but couldn’t attribute it to the meters. “The costs depend on the nature of power usage, number of electric gadgets connected and time of use.”
Ngwenya could not be reached by the time of going to press.
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Hi, I’m Tumelo Shai AgangA ward105 chairperson this is a very disturbing news this is what happens after the election, before the election our ruling party always emphases on the word democracy but after getting what they want they do what they want, let’s respect our community voice is their vote that gave you power so treat them with respect and dignity.