Tshwane disconnects power to key businesses due to unpaid bills

The City of Tshwane has intensified its efforts to recover more than R16 million in outstanding electricity payments by cutting power to several prominent businesses, including the popular grocery chain, Shoprite.

Shoprite in the Spotlight

The aggressive revenue collection campaign took place on Monday 10 March, led by Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya, who was accompanied by a small contingent from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).

The campaign specifically targeted the Shoprite store in Arcadia, which has reportedly accumulated an astounding debt of over R7.3 million.

However, as reported by IOL, Mayor Moya clarified that the unpaid electricity bill, amounting to R7.3 million, is attributed to the landlord rather than Shoprite itself.

According to TimesLive, this action was part of the “Tshwane ya Tima” operation, which targets businesses and households that fail to settle their municipal bills.

Mayor Moya expressed her frustration with the lack of compliance, stating, “They know what they need to do, they need to approach us and make a payment arrangement if they can’t afford their bill.

Big businesses must do the right thing, they must learn to comply.”

Broadening the Scope

Beyond Shoprite, the city expanded its recovery campaign, targeting more major defaulters to address unpaid debts comprehensively.

IOL mentioned that, the Sheraton Hotel was among those targeted, with an outstanding debt of approximately R1.4m.

Despite previous efforts to secure payment, the hotel’s repeated failure to adhere to payment arrangements necessitated another power disconnection.

The campaign further reached Bothongo Plaza, a notable 17-storey building that once served as a municipal office with a monthly rental of R5m.

The building now faces arrears totalling over R5.9m, emphasising the growing challenge of unpaid municipal bills.

The Homii Building paid R350,000 of its R2.1m debt, but the city deemed it insufficient and cut power.

In a stark contrast, the manufacturing company Powertech Transformers in Pretoria West responded promptly by settling a R1.1m debt on the spot.

This swift action not only reinforces the importance of financial accountability but also sets a benchmark for other businesses.