"The Minister of Public Enterprises, Lynne Brown, has appealed to municipalities, who are in arrears with Eskom to urgently approach the utility and agree on terms to settle their debt," said the Ministry of Public Enterprises in a statement on Wednesday, 23 December.
The appeal comes after Eskom suspended power cuts to the Gariep, Maletswai, Ikhwezi and Nxuba municipalities in the Eastern Cape.
The power cuts of up to nine hours a day during peak hours were introduced on Tuesday.
However, Premier of the Eastern Cape Phumulo Masualle intervened to resolve the matter. The intervention led to the four municipalities making partial payment towards their debt and they also agreed to a payment plan.
"I commend Premier Masualle for the role he has played to bring the municipalities to the table and reach an agreement with Eskom."
The minister said it was unacceptable for citizens to suffer, especially during this season.
"Municipalities must take responsibility and those with outstanding debt must immediately approach Eskom on how they can settle their outstanding debt," said Minister Brown.
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