The Municipal Manager of JB Marks Local Municipality, Kgomotso Kumbe is optimistic about the ongoing rollout of split pre-paid electricity meters despite disgruntled Ventersdorp residents that are rejecting installing of meters due to concerns of affordability.
The programme was officially launched on Saturday, 08 March 2025, following a resolution passed by the Municipal Council.
During a media briefing with members of the media, the municipal officials indicated that over 8000 pre-paid electricity meters are not buying electricity in Ventersdorp and there are over a thousand conventional meters that are not accessed to take readings for payments.
Speaking to City Report, Kumbe indicated that residents cannot deny municipal officials an opportunity to improve the accuracy of billing, reduction of electricity, illegal connections and strengthening of the overall revenue collection. He indicated that municipal officials should be given access and gain entrance to homes that needs installations.
“There will be disruptions, they [residents] will close roads. We are going to do what we are supposed to be doing.
“You cannot say that you want to consume services for free. We will connect those who want to comply,” said Kumbe.
In agreement with Kumbe, the Executive Mayor Councillor Gaba Thithiba ka Qhele said the installation teams and officials cannot be stopped when they are attending to issues of service delivery.
“If we get to that point where people want to disrupt us when we render such activities, we also have a right to approach relevant courts,” said.
The affected residents accused the municipality of lack of proper community consultation. They argued that the municipality has not adequately acknowledged or addressed their concerns, emphasising the need for transparency dialogue and adherence to public participation rights.
“Some of us are surprised by what is happening. We were not informed on time about these activities.”
Unemployed resident, Jama Gwabeni said with a high unemployment rate, residents are concerned about their ability to purchase electricity for their homes, especially given the fact that the province is leading when it comes to unemployment rates.
According to the municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite, a total of 3,150 split pre-paid meters have been procured, with deliveries completed and the installation process currently underway.
Tshite emphasised that, this project is a proactive measure aligned with JB Marks long-term infrastructure development strategy and commitment to improving service delivery.
“The JB Marks Local Municipality has ten accounts in tbe Ventersdorp Region that are paid monthly. The accounts are for power to residents of Ventersdorp, Tshing, Farming communities, Moosa Park, Toevlug, and Villages. Other accounts are for water boreholes and there is an account for free basic electricity for indigents.
“Total amount of all accounts paid to date since 2016 is R1 204 565 338.00,” Tshite said.
Tshite indicated that the municipality has been paying for all their Eskom accounts in the two regions consistently since 2016 after the erstwhile Ventersdorp Local Municipality and the Tlokwe City Council were merged to form one entity.
City Report SA learnt that these payments were made even with some consumers especially in the region of Ventersdorp not paying for their electricity.
