City of Johannesburg denies disconnecting Luthuli House electricity over unpaid debt
The City of Johannesburg has swiftly refuted reports that the ANC’s headquarters, Luthuli House, had its electricity supply cut due to outstanding municipal debt.
This comes after reports claimed that the building owes the City R365,000, and that its power had been disconnected as part of a crackdown on municipal debt.
Mayor Dada Morero, in a statement on his official Facebook page, clarified that Luthuli House was not part of the City’s disconnection program for December and emphasised that no such power cut had occurred.
“The City of Johannesburg confirms that Luthuli House has not been disconnected. It was not part of the City’s disconnection program for this month, and there was no City-led electricity cut-off at that site, contrary to claims,” Morero said.
He added that any media outlets making such claims must provide concrete evidence to support their reports, including the date, meter numbers.
“If a media house has evidence to the contrary, the City demands that they provide specific details, including date, time, point of supply or meter number, and photos, for verification with the relevant operational teams. The City also insists that the false statement be rectified”.
Morero further called on the public to be cautious of spreading “fake news” and stressed the importance of accurate and responsible reporting.
“Cease spreading Fake News,” he added.
Earlier this year, the City ramped up its efforts to recover unpaid municipal debt with the launch of Project Lokisa. More than 1300 residential customers, owing a combined R978 million, have been flagged for persistent non-payment.
“The City of Johannesburg is tightening the screws on its worst defaulters, who now face the removal of their entire electricity infrastructure – including meters – under its aggressive credit control drive, Project Lokisa”.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL