MSHOLOZI – Be it in taxis, buses or on the streets, rumours of mistrust in people, especially those in power, seem to be rife in the Msholozi Township.
This is allegedly due to the continued corruption and fraud in municipal services including electricity, water and land. Residents says they were now tired of buying services and demand to know when the Mbombela Local Municipality will finally take over.
This comes two years after the announcement that the area was going to be formalised into a township. At present it is not recognised as such and people continue to illegally buy and sell land as well as basic services such as water and electricity.
Some individuals have even been dubbed the “gods of the water” as they demand payment ranging between R2 000 and R1 500 to connect water for homesteads. They also demand R20 monthly maintenance for water, and also dig up and cut pipes whenever they don’t receive payment. The area is also riddled with illegal electricity scams which charge between R2 500 and R3 700 for homes to get access to electricity.
Some of these schemes even institute power cuts so they can demand more money from their clients.
Recently Mpumalanga News was made aware of prominent figures accused of illegally connecting people to a municipal line to the water pumps which were installed four months ago and are still non-functional. This third scheme allegedly demands R1 500 per homes to have electricity.
A receipt in possession of Mpumalanga News shows that one house owner paid R800 and has an outstanding balance of R700. The receipts have no letter head or company name. It only shows the date, name of the buyer, amount paid and the balance plus the phrase “Need for electricity”.
The area still lacks proper roads and, with the rainy season upon us, the water continues to erode gravel roads.
Residents invaded the land which belongs to the National Department of Public Works in 2008. They were, however, promised to be formalised during a community meeting held in June 2014 and in other subsequent meetings.
Questioning Cllr Kenneth Mkhonto about a alleged municipal electricity project in the area he said, “There is no municipal electricity project taking place in Msholozi,”.
Mr Joseph Ngala, spokesperson for the City of Mbombela Municipality, said residents must not shy away from reporting any form of misconduct among their community leaders, including that of municipal councillors.
Also read: Formalization of Msholozi continues
Also read: Illegal transactions continue in Msholozi
Also read: Founder of Msholozi still concerned about development
