Pappas wants 'urgent intervention' as Umgeni struggles with load shedding
Umgeni's Mayor Chris Pappas says Eskom should have identified its problems sooner and dealt with the energy crisis before it got out of hand.
The country's now alternating between various stages of load shedding while Eskom recovers from an unprotected strike.
Although eThekwini is exempt, KZN's other municipalities are grappling with rolling blackouts.
Papas says the power cuts have taken a toll on Umgeni's economy.
"There is a particular business that does ceramics and they rely on electricity for their kiln and they were looking for someone to convert their kiln from electric to gas because they were no longer able to operate."
READ: Eskom assures eThekwini residents of 'safe, sustainable' load shedding
"And it's these small examples of how businesses are really being negatively affected, besides that there are restaurants who are unable to cook certain things because of electricity, there's the increasing cost of fuel for generators."
Pappas has written to Eskom's board, calling for urgent intervention.
"If they had put together their plan and implemented them from when they knew there is going to be problems, we wouldn't be sitting in this situation. If they are able to manage their labour issues, we would be sitting in this problem.
"I am expecting a response from Eskom. We are a loyal customer, our accounts are up to date and when you are a loyal customer, you expect your service provider to treat you with respect and to answer your emails."
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