WATCH | Standoff underway between residents of Kliptown JOSHCO complex, CoJ officials

JOHANNESBURG - A standoff is underway between residents of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) complex in Kliptown, Soweto, and officials from the city.  

An operation is currently underway to tackle bypassed water and electricity meters on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Joburg City Power disconnects 120 homes for bypassing prepaid meters

The residents tried blocking off the entrance to the complex, complaining about the high cost of basic services.  

The disgruntled group of residents tried to force the closure of the gates of the complex to avoid disconnections.  

But this did not happen as planned, with officials accompanied by police entering the complex to start the cut-off operation.  

Resident Bongani Nkabinde said they are disgruntled because the price of electricity is too high.  

Nkabinde said this is why some residents end up connecting illegally.  

“At least there was supposed to be an education campaign first before they came to install those meters because a lot of people didn’t know there was going to be a deduction of administration. 

“I don’t know what for, and if you buy electricity for R100, they are going to take out R50, and still, that R50 that you are left with is going to be taxed. So, a lot of people feel like City Power is robbing us.”  

City Power has clarified that prepaid electricity has service fees, which is why if R100 is spent on electricity, it does not reflect as 100 units.