PEOPLE say Eskom has installed electricity meters in their shacks that don’t work.
Community leader Sibusiso Gibson, from Wallacedene, Kraaifontein near Cape Town, said: “Some told me their meters don’t work while others say the electricity doesn’t register when they buy it.”
Sibusiso said he often phones the manager in charge, but no one comes to help them.
“Now residents are forced to return to a dangerous way of living, using candles and paraffin stoves,” said Sibusiso.
Xolani Dimanda (31) said he got a meter in February but it has never worked.
“Electricians who installed it said they still need to attach a box to it.”
He said he now is forced to draw electricity from neighbours whose meters work.
Xolani also is worried about the stove he uses. “It produces a suffocating smell which endangers my kids’ health and we fear it may burn down my shack,” said the father of two.
Busisiwe Siganga (28) said Eskom never finished electrifying her shack. “They said they had run out of meters,” she said.
Busisiwe also uses her neighbour’s electricity.
“Rain damaged the wires, so I have no access to electricity. I want the meter to work so I can cook, boil water and keep my place warm. I need free electricity.”
Misheck Swelindawo (42), who lives from piece jobs, buys candles. “I’m worried they will burn my place while I’m asleep because sometimes I get drunk.”
Manager Jolene Henn said Eskom had appointed a contractor to fix the meters. “We are aware of faulty meters in Wallacedene and are fixing them. Some were faulty and we took it up with the supplier.”
