By: Nompendulo Ngubane
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has urged Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to intervene urgently to prevent a potential power blackout in the city linked to Johannesburg’s growing debt to Eskom.
Morero warned that law-abiding and diligent ratepayers could suffer the consequences if electricity supply is interrupted due to unpaid municipal arrears, which are estimated at R5.2 billion.
He said the appeal to the minister comes amid mounting concern over escalating municipal debt and the possible impact it could have on residents, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Morero stressed that widespread electricity disruptions would have severe economic and social consequences for South Africa’s economic hub, affecting households, healthcare facilities, schools and other essential services.
The mayor called for urgent engagement between national government, Eskom and the City of Johannesburg to find a sustainable solution to the debt crisis and avoid large-scale power interruptions.
He also emphasised the need to protect paying customers from being unfairly penalised due to the municipality’s financial challenges.
The issue of municipal debt owed to Eskom has become an increasing concern across several municipalities, with power utility officials repeatedly warning that non-payment threatens the stability of electricity supply and the utility’s financial sustainability.
