Farmers and residents of the Zaailaagte community are concerned for their safety and security, since the resignation of former Mayor, Jerry Sibiya.
It appears that shortly after Sibiya stepped down as Mayor and IFP Councillor, residents of what some refer to as ‘the forgotten part of AbaQulusi’ are uncertain where to turn in times of crisis.
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Last week, as fires raged through the Zaailaagte farmlands and power cuts left most in the dark, men of the area had a tough decision to make.
They were forced to choose between banding together to help their neighbours fight fires, in dangerous and windy conditions, or staying home to protect their families. Many of the farmers who opted for the former were met with yet another challenge, as the power outage left them unable to pump water to fight the blaze. They eventually had to call for outside assistance.
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Resident, Ken Taylor explained he assisted with containing at least six fires during last week, and stepped in earlier this week to assist locals who were unable to do seasonal fire breaks yet. Taylor pointed out the lack of electricity caused great challenges for the community, as without pumps, provision had to be made for alternative sources.
“Fortunately, most of us have ‘bakkie sakkies’ and we used these to draw water from the reservoir at Stilwater, so we could carry on fighting the fires. But there are many challenges we face as a community in the Zaailaagte, Eensgevonden and Stilwater areas. Without electricity, communication – which is crucial, is hindered. The security factor is a huge concern. When the lights go out, we’re sitting ducks basically. Stock theft has hit the area pretty hard too; we are losing our livelihoods. The power cuts are becoming an everyday occurrence and the negative impact on those of us trying to make a living is severe. Now with Jerry gone, we no longer have a direct link to the municipality. Jerry was prepared to help us, he was always approachable. Who do we call now?”
He added, “We are paying rates and taxes just like everyone else. In fact, we are using even less electricity, but the whole of Zaailaagte has reported this month their rates have basically doubled! Yet we are not getting any service. We are like the lost tribe of Vryheid. How are we supposed to go forward?”
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Another Zaailaagte resident, whose quality of life has been severely impaired by the constant power outages, is Nicole Fynn. Nicole is an active woman with a bubbly personality and an unwavering zest for life. However, she is a quadriplegic and wheelchair-bound.
Nicole’s only mobility is provided by an electric wheelchair, which requires power to charge, and power outages lasting as long as two to three days at a time, make everyday activities virtually impossible for her.
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Another Zaailaagte farmer, who requested anonymity for fear of being victimised, explained the current situation is unacceptable.
“As farmers, we are trying to make a better life for our families and for our community as a whole. But if this is how it is, many people will get fed up with the situation and leave.”
Former Mayor, Jerry Sibiya was not available for comment on the matter when the Vryheid Herald went to print on July 30. However, he did confirm later that, during his time in office as the Mayor of AbaQulusi, he had set aside R6 million in the budget for repairs on the faulty Zaailaagte line. He stated that it had been approved at the time.
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Thinus Franzsen, from the AbaQulusi Municipality’s Electrical Department, advised residents of Zaailaagte to use the toll free number for complaints (080 020 1102) and stated it was absolutely imperative they receive a reference number from the call centre.
They also needed to check the provided information was correct, so electricians who attend to the fault could pinpoint where to be.
“If you get no joy within two hours, phone Link-Up back,” added Franzen. “If after that you still get no joy, call them back and request to speak to a senior. The faults must be pinpointed to an address and individual calls must be recorded. Don’t assume that your neighbour has already phoned.”
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