Ward 31 Residents Engage Eskom and JB Marks in Service Delivery Meeting
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
As part of the Thunsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, residents of Ward 31 in Goudgevonden gathered on Monday, 8 September, for a critical engagement session with representatives from Eskom and the JB Marks Local Municipality. The meeting, chaired by Councillor Musa Leon Mkhabela, provided a platform for residents to voice concerns, seek clarification, and understand the processes behind electricity service delivery.
The session tackled several pressing challenges, ranging from faulty infrastructure to affordability concerns, reflecting the community’s ongoing struggles with access to reliable power supply.
Replacing Old Meter Boxes
Many households in Ward 31 still rely on outdated meter boxes that frequently malfunction. These boxes not only cause billing irregularities but also create safety hazards.
Eskom representatives explained the process of applying for replacements, which involves:
Logging a fault or replacement request via official Eskom channels.
Verification and scheduling by Eskom technical teams.
Replacement and testing to ensure compliance with safety and efficiency standards.
Updating the infrastructure is seen as a key step in stabilising household electricity usage and reducing unnecessary outages.
Overcharging by Electricity Vendors
Residents raised concerns over the mark-up prices charged by some local electricity vendors. While prepaid electricity should follow a regulated pricing structure, instances of inflated costs were reported.
The meeting highlighted the importance of:
Buying electricity from authorised vendors only.
Reporting suspected overcharging directly to Eskom.
Monitoring receipts and tokens to confirm alignment with official tariffs.
This issue underscored the need for stricter oversight and greater awareness among residents about where and how to purchase prepaid electricity safely.
Turnaround Strategy for Reported Faults
Community frustration often stems from the time it takes Eskom to respond to reported faults such as power outages or equipment failures.
Eskom outlined steps being taken to improve response times, including:
Increasing technical teams assigned to high-demand areas.
Implementing digital fault-tracking systems for better monitoring.
Prioritising critical cases like hospitals, schools, and large residential clusters.
The turnaround strategy aims to cut waiting times and ensure faults are not left unresolved for extended periods.
Replacement of Burnt Transformers and Stolen Cables
Another recurring problem is infrastructure vandalism, particularly the theft of copper cables and damage to transformers. Burnt transformers, often caused by overloads or faults, can leave entire sections of a ward without power.
The municipality and Eskom explained that replacing this infrastructure involves significant costs and procurement delays. However, measures such as community policing, security patrols, and quicker reporting are being encouraged to reduce the risks and speed up replacement timelines.
Indigent Support Application Process
For residents struggling to afford electricity, indigent support is a lifeline.
The meeting clarified the application process, which typically includes:
Submitting proof of income or unemployment at the municipal offices.
Verification of household circumstances.
Approval and inclusion in the indigent register.
Access to subsidised or free basic electricity units each month.
The programme is designed to ensure vulnerable households are not left in complete darkness due to financial constraints.
Building Accountability Through Dialogue
The Ward 31 meeting demonstrated the value of direct community engagement. By providing clarity on processes and challenges, Eskom and JB Marks Local Municipality gave residents an opportunity to not only raise frustrations but also learn practical steps for navigating service delivery systems.
While the issues remain complex, the session marked a step toward greater accountability, transparency, and collaboration in addressing Goudgevonden’s electricity needs.
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