The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been forced to intervene by facilitating talks between employers and the Emfuleni municipality, as businesses in the area face an existential threat while the billing crisis only grows.
Dixon Batteries represents many businesses in Emfuleni who are facing hardships as they are forced to downscale and consider retrenchments, as their water and electricity billing remains in shambles.
They have expressed their concerns about escalating electricity charges and unreliable municipal services from Emfuleni Local Municipality. Alongside that, their cable, which was stolen in 2020, has still not been replaced by the municipality.
This replacement of the stolen cable would offer some relief from the ever-increasing electricity failures and assist them in staying afloat, yet they have only been met with an unresponsive municipality.
The DA intervened for the good of Emfuleni and to exert pressure until the municipality has finally been giving attention to the problem.
As a result of the DA’s successful intervention, Emfuleni Local Municipality has pledged to look into the issues of Dixon batteries and also do a feasibility study on the replacement of the cable network.
The DA further recommends the below to foster a good relationship with all stakeholders:
-The office of the Executive Mayor has an individual responsible for stakeholder’s relations
-Implement a business desk which will assist all business people in Emfuleni with issues they encounter on the day-to-day business.
The DA will continue to exert pressure until the issue is resolved as a conducive environment is cultivated for businesses to flourish profitably so that jobs are created and secured.