Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina says Eskom has agreed to switch the lights back on in Ncala after the impasse between the community and the power company was resolved.
City spokesperson Themba Gadebe says Eskom cut off supply to the area due to non-payment.
A meeting was held between local leaders of Ncala section, Eskom, government stakeholders and the City of Ekurhuleni. Masina successfully persuaded Eskom to return power to the area on Wednesday after lengthy political engagements with various stakeholders.
A task team will be set up to oversee all Eskom operations going forward and it will be constituted of representatives from the community, the City of Ekurhuleni and Eskom.
The forum has also agreed to undergo a series of public participation meetings during the course of this month.
The public meetings are to educate the community in the area on the roll out of the split metering project, the benefits of the system and gadget demonstrations. Residents had taken to the streets in protest against the introduction of metered electricity.
“We are happy that we have been able to reach a resolution to this ongoing impasse in Ncala section, Katlehong.
“On behalf of the City of Ekurhuleni, we would like to thank the community of Ncala for their patience during this period. My administration remains committed to running a pro-poor government and accelerating service delivery in our communities. We hope life will be restored to normality for the citizens of Katlehong,” Masina said.
He thanked the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, and Gauteng Premier David Makhura for their participation in the mediation process. – SAnews.gov.za
