I WRITE this as I watch bits of the Eskom public appeal for funds and rate increases. As a member of the public I am disappointed that I cannot be at the venue. However, I still feel that I should be allowed to air my views about this. I object to any thoughts of more charges inflicted on us users, because of the following reasons:
We already pay relatively highly for this service, which we are never sure whether it is going to be or not. Until Eskom closes all the loopholes that exist and have existed for a long time under their noses, such as people and companies accessing power without paying for it, they should not be allowed to increase tariffs anymore. The loopholes are numerous and well known.
(a) People connecting to electricity poles to service their homes. Such connections are numerous and dangerous and many people have died because of this. Until Eskom is held responsible for such deaths and such carelessness, these connections will never stop. There are, indeed, many a pole festooned with these connections, which render the public vulnerable. These should be stopped.
(b) In rural areas, there are also such connections. Some of these are indeed erected with the help of Eskom staff members, creating their own sideline of earning. Eskom should vet, police and monitor its employees and get rid of any such suspects. When they get rid of them, they should continue policing, as such people do not stop their side shows of earning in this manner.
(c) There are supposed to be those who are able to sell a relatively large number of units for a relatively small sum. As I do not wish to access such chances, I have steered clear of finding out who one can approach to access such. However, it still makes my blood boil that I struggle so much to save electricity while others, because they can get it more cheaply, continue to squander it. Such loopholes are due to carelessness on behalf of the company and should be stopped.
(d) There are some places, Gauteng for instance, where people are given the first 1 000 units for free. In other provinces this is not available! Why?
Is it any wonder that Gauteng people, most of whom seem to have worked out ways of getting electric power for free, are resisting what some of us have had all the time, the installation of prepaid meter boxes?
It is disappointing that, at this stage of development, living in an atmosphere where sunlight is so copious and free our main power supplier has not, by now, started a sideline of providing solar power both for individual users, as well as for powering some of its stations. To be still dependent solely on carbon fuels such as coal and diesel is careless and irresponsible on their part.
No, under no circumstances should they be given clearance to increase tariffs. We are freezing, as it is, despite having paid our due.
In our household of two elderly individuals, one of whom is asthmatic, we soldier on trying to save electricity, even as we hear of some living in homes where the supply is copious. Some never experiencing power cuts because of who they are!
No! RE UTLWILE BATHUNG! NO MORE!!!
Rose Tuelo Brock
Mahikeng