Lesufi: Eskom set to switch on 14 transformers in Soweto

Lesufi addressed residents during the Gauteng Transformer Replacement Programme at the Doornkop Community Hall on Sunday.  

His visit to the area came amid complaints of unfair treatment by Soweto residents, some of whom have been in the dark for months or even years.   

Lesufi said only 18% of the resident in Soweto is buying electricity legally 

“I met with Eskom, and I represented the issues that the community committed themselves to do that we will ensure that we buy from appropriate sellers, we’ll protect the indigent, we’ll remove illegal connections, reconnect illegal connections properly and ensure that those that can afford to pay will pay and those that can’t afford to pay they are registered not to pay.

“Eskom agreed with us that Premier if you are correct that this community said so and has committed to do that, we are prepared to come and assist you”.  

“They noted and gave me the statistics, and I must be honest that those statistics are not encouraging. They said to me only 18% of the community is buying electricity correctly, there are people who buy electricity for R150 and we all know that it can’t last them for a month they are getting additional electricity from somewhere and 75% that don’t buy electricity at all but they are connected to the grid, and they are getting electricity.”

Lesufi said Eskom has promised to switch on the 14 transformers that were switched off due to non-payment.  

“Eskom must know it’s part of the government. It is not an opposition party, and they must know that our patience is running out; we can’t tolerate the way they are treating our people, but we will deal with it in our offices.

“If they can’t render services, let them leave, and we can have the municipality come and render services.”

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