Article re-cap
- Brett Herron has challenged the City of Cape Town regarding its reported R6 billion investment in electricity infrastructure.
- The verified capital figure for the Energy directorate is R4.714 billion over a three year period.
- Of the reported R1 billion streetlight investment, only R261 million is intended for new streetlights while 70 percent is allocated for repairs and maintenance.
- The free basic electricity policy provides 60 kWh per month to households consuming below 250 kWh.
GOOD Secretary-General Brett Herron has challenged the City of Cape Town's recent service delivery claims, alleging distortions regarding electricity infrastructure spending and streetlight investments.
The GOOD party official stated that the City's claim of a R6 billion investment in electricity infrastructure is inaccurate. According to Herron, the actual verified Energy directorate capital figure is R4.714 billion over three years.
Herron also disputed the reported R1 billion streetlight investment, noting that 70% of those funds are allocated for repairs and maintenance, with only R261 million intended for new streetlights.
Regarding electricity tariffs, Herron alleged that the City's claim of shielding residents from Eskom price increases ignores the fact that charging above Nersa-permitted rates over the past two years was illegal.
The Secretary-General further criticised the free basic electricity policy, which provides 60 kWh per month only to households consuming below 250 kWh. He argued this does not account for overcrowding in informal settlements where multiple generations share a single meter.
Herron also raised concerns regarding the use of prepaid metering as a debt collection tool, claiming it allows the City to recover property owner arrears from tenants. He cited an instance in District Six where restitution beneficiaries were forced to repay arrears owed by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology through their prepaid purchases.
This follows earlier local coverage of Cape Town approves R6 billion energy investment plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brett Herron's main concern about Cape Town's electricity infrastructure spending?
Herron claims the City's stated R6 billion investment in electricity infrastructure is inaccurate. He alleges the actual verified Energy directorate capital figure is R4.714 billion over three years, suggesting the City has overstated its infrastructure spending.
How much of Cape Town's streetlight budget actually goes toward new lights?
According to Herron, only R261 million of the reported R1 billion streetlight investment is intended for new streetlights. The remaining 70% of those funds are allocated for repairs and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
What does Herron say about Cape Town's free basic electricity policy?
Herron criticised the free basic electricity policy for providing only 60 kWh monthly to households consuming below 250 kWh. He argued this fails to account for overcrowding in informal settlements where multiple generations share a single meter.
How is Cape Town using prepaid metering in a way that concerns Herron?
Herron claims the City uses prepaid metering as a debt collection tool, allowing it to recover property owner arrears from tenants. He cited District Six restitution beneficiaries forced to repay arrears owed by Cape Peninsula University of Technology through their prepaid purchases.
Source: forgood.org.za
