Residents told payment arrangements allowed after electricity disconnections

Residents disconnected from electricity supply in Komani do not have to pay their full outstanding debt upfront before power can be restored, according to Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa.

The clarification comes after concerns were raised by a local resident who claimed they were initially told to pay R570 before electricity could be reconnected. According to the resident, the amount was later reduced to R500 after submitting a bank statement, but they were allegedly informed that electricity would only be restored once the amount was paid in full.

The resident told Komani News they were struggling financially and could not afford the payment due to other essential household expenses, including rent, food and existing debts.

Komani News sent questions to the municipality seeking clarity on the official reconnection process, whether payment arrangements are allowed, how affordability is assessed and what support exists for struggling households.

Responding to the enquiry, Kowa said residents who have been disconnected should first contact the municipality’s Budget and Treasury Office to determine the amount owed and the amount required to “unblock” the meter.

“It is not compulsory to pay the full amount and customers can always enter into a payment arrangement with the Municipality,” he said.

Kowa added that some households may qualify to be registered as indigent if they are unable to afford payments. However, he said the process takes time because applicants must first be verified before being approved for indigent support.

“The Municipality uses its credit control policy and all customers are treated in a fair standardised manner,” Kowa said.

He further clarified that municipal debts themselves are not written off or reduced, but that monthly repayment arrangements can be adjusted according to what residents can reasonably afford.

“Amounts (debts) are not reduced but the actual monthly payments (arrangements) can be reduced based on affordability,” he said.

The issue of electricity disconnections and affordability has become a growing concern for many households already facing rising living costs, including food, rent and transport expenses.

Komani News will continue following up on residents’ concerns regarding municipal billing, reconnections and indigent support processes.