MBOMBELA- The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on Executive Mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko to account to residents of Wards 14, 15 and 16 for the shortcomings of newly installed smart electricity meters.
The meters were installed in households across West Acres and Mataffin, among other areas. Since installation, residents have complained that they are unable to load electricity tokens, while others have raised concerns that units deplete faster.
According to the DA, a meeting was recently called with the municipality’s Project Manager, Linge Ngubane, to address the complaints. However, she failed to attend and instead sent a representative without technical knowledge of the smart meters.
This caused frustration, as the meeting could not achieve its purpose. The intention was to create a platform for residents to raise their concerns directly with the municipal Technical Department and the service provider.
Some of the affected areas are home to several businesses that are now unable to operate at full capacity. The faulty meters have also left communities in darkness, exposing them to crime.
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The DA supports the rollout of smart meters as they can reduce billing errors and improve revenue collection. However, transparency and sound governance cannot be compromised.
“With the 2026 Local Government Elections taking place this year, residents of Mbombela should take note of such shortcomings and vote for a party with a plan to modernise electricity trading.”
“If elected, the DA will collaborate with private companies to manage critical trading services such as electricity provision. Where a municipality lacks capacity, the private sector will assist with the operation and maintenance of distribution networks,”said the DA in a statement.
