WED HEADLINE: Electricity challenges for community comes to an end
KwaThema – A project in an attempt to fix electricity woes in Extension Three is currently underway.
The project is meant to cover the entire area of Ext Three, starting at Thabahadi Road with the implementations of new cables.
Residents in the area have been complaining about power outages for almost two years.
The project is set to last for six months and it is also an attempt to fight illegal connections.
Ward 77 Clr Johannes Zenzile Sibeko says: “The project started on April 15 and we are trying to fight illegal connections because they are the main source of power outage in this area. This area is bombarded with these illegal connections which weakens the electricity supply,” says Sibeko.
Also read: Cable theft leaves KwaThema in the dark
Residents complained about living in the “dark city” because when the weather gets windy the electricity trips and when it rains the electricity switches off.
A resident in the area, Albert Mthombeni, says: “I am happy with the changes because we have been struggling and life was very difficult.”
Sibeko explains that electricity is a major issue during winter as that’s when the demand is too high.
“In winter, the usage of electricity remains very high because people use heaters, two plate stoves and various other electrical appliances because they using free electricity,” says Sibeko.
A cable of 1 500m has already been fitted underground along with four mini-substations and a 500kVA cable.
The project comes with job creation, 24 community members were hired for this project.
Augustine Zitha, a community member, says he hopes the project will develop and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Also read: Locals speak about electricity price
Community members are encouraged to buy electricity and work hand in hand with the municipality in fighting crime and illegal connections.
“Cable theft costs the municipality a lot of money, money which can be used to uplift the community,” says Sibeko.
Pensioners and unemployed people are urged to come and register at the KwaThema Customer Care Centre to receive free utilities.
