adminThey cited problems of payment that had been experienced in other areas.
“There are areas in Mpopoma and Tshabalala where people do not have electricity right now because Zesa agreed to set up the new system and demanded the balance to be cleared first,” said Bura chairperson Mr Winos Dube.
“The initial arrangement was that Zesa will deduct 20 percent from the pre-payments which would go towards the balance previously owed. This is unfair because a majority of people will go for months without electricity as they cannot afford to clear their bills.”
The residents told Zesa officials who attended the meeting that they would not allow them to install the pre-paid meters unless they agree to move them to the new system while they clear their bills.
“We will not allow the Zesa officials to install pre-paid meters until they promise us that they will not disconnect us for money owed.
“We were told that the development is for our own benefit, yet they are doing it in a manipulative manner. They encourage us to switch to the new system fully knowing that they will disconnect us for the arrears,” said a Nkulumane resident, Mr Alson Nkomo.
However, a Zesa representative who declined to be named, said the introduction of the new system was for the benefit of the residents because it was cheaper for them.
In Makokoba, the residents threatened to attack Zesa officials who were installing the meters last week, resulting in the councillor for the area, Clr James Sithole, organising a meeting.
The residents said it was callous for Zesa to demand full payment of their balances which they were already struggling to pay.
“It is unfair for Zesa to expect me to get more than $600 cash yet I was failing to pay $16 per month. If Zesa agrees to make us sign payment plans, then it should allow us to sign for the amount of money that we can afford to pay per month,” said Mrs Siphathisiwe Ncube.
“The issue of bulk pre-paid meters should also be handled as an emergency because most of us cannot afford to share the pre-paid meters for obvious reasons.”
The Zesa officials told the residents that they should apply to the power utility for the separation of the meters although it was a long process due to lack of funds and resources.
They also advised residents to approach their nearest Zesa offices and negotiate for affordable payment plans.
Clr Sithole, however, said it was important for Zesa to hold meetings with residents to keep them updated on any developments.
“I am glad that there was direct communication between Zesa and the residents today after a long time. People were planning to attack Zesa officials in Makokoba but we quickly organised a meeting because there are a lot of misunderstandings on the new pre-paid meters.
“Zesa is telling residents that pre-paid meters are meant to benefit them but residents feel that Zesa is out to sabotage them and disconnect them while they struggle to pay the outstanding bills,” said Clr Sithole.
The Minister of Energy and Power Development, Elton Mangoma is on record saying it is wrong for Zesa workers to switch off defaulting residents when installing pre-paid meters.
Online Reporter