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The Sol Platjie local Municipality in the Northern Cape sent an apology to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for erroneously disconnecting electricity at the DPWI’s Regional office and other government departments, whose rates and taxes are managed and paid by DPWI on 08 August.

The municipality led by the Mayor and the Mayoral Committee, zealously swooped in at our regional office, insisting on disconnecting electricity due to non-payment.  The municipality did not issue a notice of non-payment and did not engage with the regional office with respect to the accounts. 

Under the glare of media, the Mayor flatly refused to listen to any discussion, instead saying he did not come to negotiate. Had the Municipality delegation taken time to listen, they would have seen proof that the last payment was made by DPWI in July, with the next payment of what is outstanding, expected to be made by 15 August.

The payments made were rates and taxes of ALL government departments under the management of DPWI, excluding municipal services for those departments that are responsible to pay them.

As much as the electricity has since been restored at DPWI Kimberley Regional Offices, the actions of the local authority were unfortunate, one-sided and irresponsible since DPWI pays the rates and taxes for all national state-owned properties. Disconnecting services of all national departments has had a negative impact on service delivery.

Issued by Thami Mchunu, Acting Chief Director: Department of Public Works and Infrastructure