Concerns have surged throughout Newcastle due to a voice note on social media, suggesting that Eskom might disconnect Newcastle’s water supply. Allegedly sent by a uThukela Water staff member, the voice note warned about a potential water crisis stemming from Eskom’s planned power shutdown.
The sender of the voice note cautioned, “Just letting you know, Eskom is going to come shutdown our power tomorrow, meaning we won’t be able to pump water out into the community.”
With the concerning statement, the sender then urged residents to stock up on water in preparation for the situation.
Accompanying the voice note was a message alleging that Newcastle Municipality owed uThukela more than R200 million and therefore, could not pay its Eskom debt.
Responding to Newcastillian New’s questions on the matter, the Newcastle Municipality, vehemently denied these claims, labelling the voice note as inaccurate, biased, and exaggerated.
Moreover, The Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit clarified the debt issue, stating while the Municipality is indebted to uThukela Water, the Municipality is working with its limited financial resources to honour obligations paying its debts.
With this in mind, the Communications Unit said the municipality has been consistent in honouring its payment agreement with uThukela Water between January and February 2024. As a consequence, an amount of R11.5 million has been paid to uThukela Water during this period, which gives the government entity the financial means to service its debt to Eskom which amounts to R5.6 million.
The Municipality’s Communications Unit reassured residents, stating, “The Municipality prioritises the needs of its citizens and acknowledges that access to water is essential. We condemn any attempts to spread disinformation that may cause unnecessary concern among our residents.”
The identity and motives of the individual behind the voice note remain unknown. “However, one speculates from the contents of the voice note that this may be an uThukela Water employee, which if that is the case, uThukela Water Management shall have to deal with such malicious individual very precisely. It cannot be expected that an employee may cause such panic among the community instead of taking the matter up with his Management,” stressed the Communications Unit.
Adding to the matter, Eskom informed Newcastillian News that a disconnection notice was issued as part of the collection process. However, the power utility highlighted that uThukela Water had since settled its debt seeing the disconnection notice being withdrawn.
Concluding, the Communications Unit added, “The Newcastle Municipality urges the citizens of Newcastle to continue paying their municipal bills to enable us to further deliver essential services efficiently.”
Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns in the comment section below.
Comments 1
My sincere condolences to the deceased family and friends