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A concerned community member, Mr Justice Madzivhandila.

Community fed-up with delay in electricity contract

 

The hope of residents of Njhakanjhaka of receiving electricity from the Makhado Municipality is fading away. What was expected to be a three-month-long project that began in April 2014 is still unfinished.

When Limpopo Mirror visited the area, it was found that poles had been planted with wiring cable attached, and houses are equipped with meter boxes, but no one is receiving electricity.

Community spokesperson Mr Oscar Mudau said the community and different structures had supported the project because they had thought the project would make people’s lives better. He said the project would also make sure that community members would use electricity and not strip the environment of its bushes for firewood. Connecting electricity to the area would bring happiness to every resident. “We were very happy that we wouldn´t miss anything that happened in the world,” Mudau said.

Mudau said the community blamed the delays on the municipality. "They planted poles and installed boxes and cables, but these are just decorations in the village (to fool) the passers-by."

“They promised to finish the job a long time ago. We are still waiting. We are not even sure whether they will honour their promises this time,” Mudau said. He accused the municipality of wasting taxpayers’ money. 

According to Mudau, residents used to collect wood to make fire, so that they could cook. "We also used candles as a means of light at night, which poses risks to the residents," he said.

Another problem is that thieves, known as ezinyoka, have been terrorising the area by stealing the electricity cables. According to the villagers, the theft of the cables is one of the reasons for the poor service delivery in the area. It appears as if the ezinyoka target the long cables from the houses to the poles.

Mudau confirmed that the people of Njhakanjhaka are upset about the delay in completing the job. "We, the ordinary people, want to know why there is a delay in electrifying our village, whereas others have electric lights," said Mudau. "Where is the money which was budgeted for the project?" he said.

When asked about the time span within which the project should have been completed, Mudau elaborated that it had been agreed that it should have been completed in a period not exceeding three months. "The municipal officials have never come to this area, so how will they know about our problems?"

The people regard themselves as forgotten and feel that the promises made to them have not been honoured.

Makhado Municipality spokesperson Louis Bobodi said technical problems were causing the delays and the community should expect to receive electricity before the end of June.

 

 

 

Date:12 June 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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