- Residents buy transformers and connect themselves to grid
- Electrification project stalls leaving many in darkness
- DMRE and the local Municipality argue over the project
The residents of Mthatha has resorted to purchasing transformers and illegally connecting themselves to the grid network. The residents say there is no hope for the electrification project, which was meant to connect several households to electricity. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality have given conflicting accounts on why the electrification project has stalled.
The DMRE stated that it had previously allocated R7.2 million towards the Joe Slovo Extension electrification project; however, the Municipality failed to appoint a contractor. Subsequently, a reallocation of the funds was implemented. On the other hand, the Municipality has stated that it has electrified 486 households using its funds.
Residents have, however, resorted to illegally connecting their households to the grid network. “We have been in and out of municipal offices fighting for electricity,” Bongiwe Mkrazuli said. “After many years of empty promises … we decided to contribute R1,000 per household to buy two transformers and connect illegally,” she added.
Municipal Spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza stated, “The truth is that the R7.2 million was a commitment, not what was transferred. What was transferred was R2.5 million, and the Municipality ended up paying from its coffers to meet the contractual obligations to contractors.”
Mampoza condemned the illegal connections and urged residents to desist from the act, adding that such actions would “retard the progress of service delivery”.