The drama between the Newcastle Municipality and Eskom continues. This follows the court case between the two entities at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday, December 6.
With the Newcastle Municipality owing over R200 million to the power utility, it seems Eskom is determined to make an example of Newcastle. Currently, Eskom wants the high court to allow it to cut the power if Newcastle Municipality defaults on payment.
While Eskom is looking at pulling the plug on the town’s electricity, Newcastle Mayor Ntuthuko Mahlaba says the court battle between Eskom and the municipality is unnecessary. He claims they want to go into negotiations with Eskom and agree on a payment plan.
However, Eskom says the municipality has entered payment plans before. Payment plans which the municipality failed to honour.
During the court proceedings on Friday, Eskom attempted to bring in new evidence in the form of a document. This document allegedly focuses on the conditions embodied in the municipality’s licence to supply electricity.
However, Eskom missed the necessary deadline to enter the affidavit into evidence.
The court case was postponed and will continue during the course of the week, where the fate of Newcastle’s electrical supply will be hopefully decided.
Read more: Will Newcastle be left in the dark?
