The City of Joburg says it has lodged an appeal against the High Court ruling ordering it to pay power utility over R1 billion in unpaid bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eskom announced the outcome of its court battle against the city on Thursday night (20 June), claiming victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also noted that the City of Joburg’s total owed to the utility has now ballooned to R3.4 billion, which it wanted to be paid over on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the City of Joburg said it has appealed the ruling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The City and City Power believe that critical aspects of the evidence were not fully considered by the court in reaching its conclusion. While we accept and respect the court\u2019s decision, the City reserve the right to appeal the ruling,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city maintained that not only did Eskom bypass efforts to engage and mediate with the city\u2014instead opting for court processes\u2014it also doubled down on its claim that Eskom owes it R3.4 billion for overcharging it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, the court dismissed this counterclaim by the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Legal teams have been briefed and the appeal has been lodged as the City of Johannesburg and City Power believe that a full bench will find differently,” the city said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n