Early Christmas for villagers
About 2 500 newly connected households in the Kgobudi/Mzombane village had their electricity switched on for the first time on Wednesday after it was expected to happen much later next year.
LIMPOPO – After it was announced in July by the former Mogalakwena Municipality Mayor, Parks Sebatjane, that each home in Mzombane village, outside of Mokopane, will have access to prepaid electricity by March 2017, the good news was astonishing to residents who did not expect their electricity switched on so soon.
Over the past few years this community has fought tirelessly for their right to basic service delivery, such as the right to electricity. After meetings with the community led by Sebatjane, Tlotlanang Mogotlane, Ward Councillor, Sam Mathebula, and Eskom Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson, Dikgabane Rampedi, earlier this year these households’ hopes now became a reality.
According to a media statement sent out earlier this year the Mogalakwena Municipality and Eskom has embarked on a R30 million project to provide prepaid electricity to the community of Mozombane. The electrification project formed part of Eskom’s and Government’s programme of universal access to electricity for all households in South Africa and is allegedly by far the largest electrification project in Limpopo this year.
A recent statement by Eskom stated: “Electricity brings ease of life to those who are connected to it.
“We should also recognise that if not treated correctly and with respect, electricity can be dangerous and even fatal”.
They urge customers to contact their local Eskom customer hub for any safety concerns they might have and warns their new customers to be on the lookout for illegal connections and those who would tamper with meters. Should you witness any criminal acts send an anonymous SMS to crime line at 32211.
lionel@nmgroup.co.za
