Eskom meter update: Frustrated prepaid customers slam slow process
On Wednesday, thousands of residents formed snaking lines outside Eskom's Zola, Pimville, and Mapetla service centres, desperate to avoid the R12,000 cost of replacing their meters if they fail to meet the deadline.
A Johannesburg City Power smart meter. Picture: File
JOHANNESBURG - Dozens of disgruntled Eskom customers who spent over 14 hours queuing to update their prepaid meters before Sunday’s deadline say they’ve lost hope.
On Wednesday, thousands of residents formed snaking lines outside Eskom's Zola, Pimville, and Mapetla service centres, desperate to avoid the R12,000 cost of replacing their meters if they fail to meet the deadline.
At the Zola hub, frustrated customers claim only 300 people were assisted, leaving the rest to endure scorching heat without water or access to ablution facilities.
ALSO READ:
• Drive to upgrade prepaid meters will also help Eskom with revenue protection - Ramokgopa
• Residents urged to upgrade prepaid meters as deadline looms
In response to requests for an extension, Eskom has remained firm, insisting that no additional window will be granted.
This has left many residents in a difficult position, with several shifting the blame to the entity for what they describe as inadequate notice and support ahead of the deadline.
Some residents, who spent Tuesday night and Wednesday in the queue, said they had given up hope.
"I'm number 741 in the queue. I am 70 years old...do you think they’ll help me?" wondered one resident.
Meanwhile, Eskom said it remains confident in its staff and systems to ensure that all customers will be assisted ahead of Sunday’s deadline.