NO ELECTRICITY CUTS FOR NEWCASTLE KZN

The Newcastle Municipality has saved Newcastle from a major disaster. Eskom announced that they would cut power to the economic hub of Northern KwaZulu Natal as from Monday the 30th of September 2019. The Municipality heard about the news via the Media and decided to apply for a High Court Interdict against the power utility ESKOM to cut power. On Sunday the 29th of September Judge Chetty ruled in favour of the Newcastle Municipality, for arguments on 3rd October 2019.

On the 3rd of October Judge Bezuidenhout heard arguments from Newcastle Municipality and ESKOM. The Municipality was joined by COGTA and one of the largest businesses in Newcastle Lanxess CISA who was entered onto the court documents as a respondent.

Judge Bezuidenhout reserved judgement on the interim interdict until today and instructed ESKOM to adhere to the interdict.
This morning judge Mngadi handed down judgment on behalf of Judge Bezuidenhout at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

The judgment in short

• ESKOM is not allowed to cut power to the economic hub of Northern KwaZulu Natal town Newcastle.
• The Newcastle Municipality must pay ESKOM R30 million per month as from 15th October 2019
• All parties are granted leave to file supplementary papers by 29th October 2019
• The matter is set for 6th December 2019This judgement is not only to the benefit of the community and businesses of Newcastle but also to other Municipalities in KwaZulu Natal.

  The mayor of Newcastle , Dr Mhalba would like to inform the community of Newcastle that the Newcastle Municipality will be able to make payment to the power utility. “I will ensure that our CFO make payment on the 15th of every month. We now have a concrete agreement in place, we will not disappoint the people of Newcastle.”

  We are positive that on the 6 of December 2019 the interim order by the court will become final.