Newcastle racks up R200m electricity debt, could be left in the dark soon
2 September 2019
The KwaZulu-Natal government is urgently trying to avert electricity interruptions in the Newcastle Local Municipality after it racked up electricity debt of more than R200m.
On Monday, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka urged residents "to pay for municipal services, including electricity, as their failure to do so puts a huge strain on the dwindling finances of municipalities".
He said business and consumer electricity debt was the main reason for escalating costs.
"What we are dealing with here in Newcastle is a challenge that is facing many municipalities across the country. It is the failure by residents, including businesses, to keep up to date with their utility bills."