AT the unveiling of a R35-million sub-station on Tuesday, KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu said the facility should ease the burden on the existing energy infrastructure.
‘While illegal connections in rural communities continue to grow in numbers, the overwhelming demand on the main power supply becomes intolerable, causing strains to the network which then leads to untimely shut-downs, amounting to public frustration and service delivery protests.
‘This is one of our major energy network developments that we as Council committed to deliver following concerns raised by the public in the greater Groutville areas.’
Mthembu said the municipality is now establishing a firm network that will stabilise supply and help improve people’s lives.
The sub-station will go live in about three months.
The contractor has been set strict timelines and has been working very well with the municipality.
A task team aimed at reducing illegal connections will also be established.
‘In view of the fact that electricity is constitutionally recognised as a basic service, we have worked to ensure that concerns raised by the public find expression.
‘We will however establish a task team to deal with illegal connections,’ said Mthembu.
A local resident, Wilson Zulu (58) applauded the new development with hopes that the amount of frustration regarding electricity supply in Ntshawini and surrounding areas will subside.
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