Enoch Mgijima municipality blocks electricity for 200 households over unpaid bills

Residents march against meter blockages, saying they are charged for refuse collection services they do not receive.

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape blocked electricity purchases for more than 200 households in Enkululekweni, Komani, because of unpaid rates and service bills¹². Residents reported they have been unable to purchase electricity since 12 April¹².

On Thursday, more than 60 residents marched to municipal offices to demand their meters be unblocked¹². Municipal officials told residents their meters had been blocked because of unpaid rates¹².

Acting Mayor Unathi Galada told residents the municipality was using the blockages to identify households that can afford to pay their municipal rates¹². He acknowledged that some residents qualify as indigent¹².

Residents said they are being charged R235 per month for refuse collection they never receive¹. Municipal refuse trucks have been grounded by the Department of Labour over safety concerns¹².

Galada agreed to temporarily unblock the meters after the protest¹². He gave residents until 27 April to visit municipal offices and make repayment arrangements¹². Residents who fail to make arrangements by that date risk having their electricity meters blocked again¹².