By Roy Jankielsohn | DA Constituency Head Dihlabeng Local Municipality
Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL with images here, here and here
The DA has written to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Free State, Mr Saki Mokoena, requesting provincial government intervention into what is regarded by consulted experts as illegal and dangerous electricity meter installations by the Dihlabeng Municipality.
This after the DA received various complaints about the installation of electricity meters in the municipality. Concerns of both residents and the DA include, among others:
- There are allegations of dubious appointments of contractors and questions about their qualifications to do the work.
- Installations by unqualified and unregistered installers and lack of supervision and post-installation inspections.
- Shoddy and dangerous workmanship causing damage to appliances.
- The unwillingness to supply residents with Certificates of Compliance as required by law.
- Non-compliance of the contractors and the Municipality with legislative and health and safety requirements.
- The potential for claims against the Municipality by residents who incur damages.
- Concerns around the lack of supervision over the health and safety of installers.
The DA has also requested that the project be stopped until all legal requirements are complied with and investigations into the appointments and legal compliance are carried out. This should include inspections of previous work carried out and issuing of Certificates of Compliance for all work done.
The DA will continue to hold the Dihlabeng Municipality and provincial departments accountable for their delivery of services to residents and will not tolerate any illegal activities that negatively affect residents.