Hundreds of exposed illegal electric wires snake around Thuthukani informal settlement in Seatides, Tongaat, posing a serious threat to residents.
According to a resident, Sbongile Radebe, a child was killed by electrocution last November.
“Children are getting electrocuted but we have no choice because we need electricity,” said Radebe.
The illegal connection of electricity has also put Genazzano Road into darkness as streetlights are no longer working and the road is damaged.
“At night residents dig up the road so that the wires can be put underground and they fill the holes with cement,” said resident Sifiso Nkwanyana.
He said they feel sorry for the people who stay in Seatides who also use the road because they have to suffer the consequences of illegal connections.
“The road now has potholes which is bad for their cars and many people use the road to go jogging and it is now dark,” said Nkwayana.
In July last year about 300 residents protested on the M4 demanding houses, electricity and toilets.
They claim that ward 58 councillor Mxolisi Mzubovu called a public meeting and promised them electricity and toilets at the Thuthukani informal settlement.
However they say he did not tell them when they should expect to receive this.
Resident Alson Mkhabela said the councillor had said they would receive these essentials at the informal settlement because the municipality was still struggling to locate them suitable land for housing.
Mzobovu said he still does not know when the project will start.
“The company that will build the toilets has been appointed, but the municipality is still negotiating with the Thuthukani land owners,” said Mzobovu.
Residents also complained that they were not kept updated by Mzobovu.
The councillor replied that he keeps the ward committee members updated and that they are the ones responsible for sharing this information with residents.
Ethekwini municipality had not responded at the time of going to print.
