Chris Pappas sits behind a desk during a press briefing. uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas said the municipality and its security partners reserved the right to take legal action against any individual or organisation that posed a risk to public safety, law, and order.
uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas has issued an alert to residents ahead of possible protest action this week by the MK Party over the ongoing Electricity Loss Reduction strategy in Mpophomeni.
In the notice shared on the municipality’s social media platforms on Saturday, Pappas said there would be potential disruptions to municipal services this week: “The MK Party has recently expressed their intent to organise protests concerning the ongoing Electricity Loss Reduction strategy in Mpophomeni.”
The Mayor said while the uMngeni Municipality respected the right to peaceful protest, it must also prioritise the safety and well-being of residents and the integrity of public property.
“The municipality has alerted all law enforcement agencies as well as private security companies,” he said.
Pappas said the municipality anticipated that the disruption would be around the municipal offices in Howick.
He explained that the municipality had lost R59 million in the last year due to electricity theft, illegal connections and phase shifting.
“We have conducted extensive public consultations and education programmes regarding the Electricity Loss Reduction strategy. 'The municipality provides 200kWh of free basic electricity to poor and vulnerable households each month, the highest provision in KwaZulu-Natal. Additionally, faulty meters are replaced free of charge,” he said.
Pappas said the municipality and its security partners reserved the right to take legal action against any individual or organisation that posed a risk to public safety, law, and order.
“There is no need to be alarmed. This message merely serves as notice so that residents and businesses are not surprised and those who wish to take extra precautions may do so. We will update the public of any further developments.”
The Mercury