Eskom Holdings will be allowed to take over the distribution of electricity in South African municipalities that collectively owed the state utility R85.2-billion at the end of last year. The government has offered support to local authorities that have fallen into arrears due to weak revenue generation, poor credit controls and other financial pressures. But only 15 of 71 councils that signed up for a turnaround program have consistently met the conditions to qualify for relief from the state, including demonstrating improved debt collection.
