uMngeni Municipality has launched a court challenge against Msunduzi Municipality regarding electricity supply to Hilton.
Image: File
The uMngeni Local Municipality has escalated its long-standing dispute with the Msunduzi Municipality to the high court, seeking a definitive ruling on what it terms the "unlawful" distribution of electricity to the Hilton area.
While Hilton falls under the uMngeni municipality, it receives its electricity from Msunduzi. Councillors have previously told The Mercury that the area has a high collection rate and contributes significantly to Msunduzi’s revenue.
The legal move, announced by uMngeni Mayor Chris Pappas, follows years of documented service delivery failures, including persistent outages and poor communication that have plagued Hilton residents and businesses.
According to the municipality, the decision to seek judicial intervention was not taken lightly, following extensive research into the history of the matter and exhaustive attempts to resolve the issue through intergovernmental processes.
At the centre of uMngeni’s application is a confirmation from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) that Msunduzi Municipality does not hold a valid electricity distribution licence for the Hilton area. uMngeni argues that this lack of a licence raises serious concerns regarding regulatory compliance and accountability.
"For the longest time, Hilton residents have endured ongoing service delivery failures," the municipality stated, adding that its objective is to ensure "certainty, legality, and reliable service delivery" for its community.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has thrown its full support behind the court action of the DA-led uMngeni, commending the leadership of Pappas.
Mmabatho Tembe MPL, DA Mooi-uMngeni constituency head, described the application as a "decisive step" toward ensuring that electricity supply is transparent and properly regulated.
"Residents and businesses deserve certainty, reliable services, and governance that operates fully within the law."
The DA noted that after years of engagement and research, approaching the courts has become a "responsible and necessary step" to resolve a long-standing issue that has hampered economic activity in the region.
In response, the Msunduzi Municipality has dismissed the claims of illegality, maintaining that it remains the "lawful supplier" of electricity to Hilton.
The municipality argues that the Hilton supply is an integral part of its distribution network and licence, citing a historical precedent that dates back to the early 1930s when the network was first extended from Pietermaritzburg.
While Msunduzi officials stated they were not yet "formally aware" of the high court papers, they confirmed that engagements are ongoing through regulatory platforms, including NERSA.
"As a responsible institution of government, Msunduzi Municipality fully subscribes to the rule of law and will respond appropriately should any legal process require the Municipality to do so," the city stated, adding that its current priority remains the "stable and uninterrupted" supply of power.
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