KwaDukuza to crack down on illegal electricity connections
The KwaDukuza Local Municipality says about seven businesses have allegedly been tampering with their electricity meters to reduce or avoid costs.
The municipality conducted spot checks at local businesses in the CBD yesterday.
Officials say millions of Rands in revenue have been lost as a result of illegal connections.
KwaDukuza's Sipho Mkhize says illegal connections cripple the municipality financially and also hamper its ability to deliver essential services.
"We are losing hundreds of millions of Rands when it comes to energy being lost. In the town, you will find an area that is supposed to have a business meter, they have a residential one. Where you are supposed to have operating business meters you find they have been tampered with and short circuited," said Mkhize.
He says some businesses, on average, owe in the region of R200,000.
Mkhize says those with illegal connections will have their power disconnected and will have to pay the amount owed as well as a fine.
Officials say millions of Rands in revenue have been lost as a result of illegal connections.
KwaDukuza's Sipho Mkhize says illegal connections cripple the municipality financially and also hamper its ability to deliver essential services.
"We are losing hundreds of millions of Rands when it comes to energy being lost. In the town, you will find an area that is supposed to have a business meter, they have a residential one. Where you are supposed to have operating business meters you find they have been tampered with and short circuited," said Mkhize.
He says some businesses, on average, owe in the region of R200,000.
Mkhize says those with illegal connections will have their power disconnected and will have to pay the amount owed as well as a fine.