Residents without electricity, protest in Sakhile
Municipal workers tried to fix the problem on 19 April, but it tripped again the same day.
The community of Ward 1 in Sakhile burnt tyres in protest last Wednesday evening after they were without electricity since 18 April.
Municipal workers tried to restore the supply on 19 April, but it tripped again the same day.
The community waited, hoping in vain it would be repaired and took to the streets.
They wanted to burn the ward councillor’s house alleging that the councillor is not doing anything to address the problem.
The Lekwa council called a meeting with the community last Thursday to explain when the supply will be restored.
Ms Caroline Morajane, Lekwa executive mayor, said they are doing all they can and need the community to give them some time.
Mr Themba Gogwane, HOD: technical services, said the reason they have problems with electricity is the ageing infrastructure.
He said the cables are old and they can not handle the pressure due to the high electricity demand in the area.
He also said they need to replace all the old electricity cables.
The mayor said the problem cannot be fixed immediately and that it will continue.
According to the mayor a survey needs to be conducted to assess the cables in Sakhile and then the ones needed replacing, will be replaced.
The community was not pleased with the explanations.
Mr Gogwane promised a temporary solution to the cable problem.
He undertook that the community will have electricity before the end of the day and said they have asked for bigger cables from other municipalities.
The community was given an opportunity to ask questions and make recommendations.
A resident said the municipality should give the responsibility back to Eskom because they are failing to maintain and manage it.
Another resident said this problem is caused by many households stealing electricity.
The electricity was still off last Friday and municipal workers were seen digging to replace the cables.
