By Thabo Monyela
POLOKWANE- The Polokwane Municipality embarked on a power cut operation, which saw over ten (10) government departments in Limpopo, switched-off electricity supply owing R250 Million.
The Municipality led by its officials in the finance portfolio committee on Monday, the 13th, were on an electricity disconnection spree, during which it disconnected power supply to various Provincial departments and also to the National Department of Public Works, in an attempt to recover a hefty debt amounting to R250 million owed to them by the said government entities for electricity services.
The government entities which had their power supply abruptly cut off for failing to pay up the electricity services include,departments of Public Works, Education, Health, Agriculture and Land Reform, Sports, Arts and Culture, Rural Development, LIMDEV and also Great North Transport.
The Polokwane Municipality spokesperson Thipa Selala said the power supply will remain cut to the affected departments until the debt is settled.
Limpopo Provincial head of communications Ndavhe Ramakuela said it is the responsibility of the departments to settle their debts on time.
“We have an established Inter-governmental Forum that meets on a quarterly basis chaired by the Premier.
In its agenda it deals with debts owed to municipalities, the principle is that departments must endeavour to settle their accounts on time. In the next meeting, we shall assess the totality of what is owed and encourage payments towards that” Ramakuela said.
