Executive Mayor, Cllr. Sifiso Mngemezulu has, today, engaged Extension 6 resident about the frequent electricity outages in the area. The engagement was held at Ext 6 Community Hall. He was accompanied by Ward 15 Councillor Rose Motloung, MMC for (PED) Cllr Masondo, and various municipal officials.
The meeting aimed to find common ground and long-term solutions to the ongoing electricity problems which are caused by network overloading as direct results of illegal connection.
During the engagement residents voiced their anger and frustration about frequent power outages, which they say have disrupted daily life and left many households without electricity for extended periods.
Following open dialogue, it was agreed that illegal electricity connections are a major cause of the overloads and outages affecting the area. As a result, a resolution was made to have all illegal connections removed.
To reinforce the decision, Mayor Mngemezulu, along with Cllr Motloung, Cllr Masondo, and community members, embarked on a door-to-door awareness campaign to educate residents about illegal connections and its consequences.
Households were informed that they should voluntarily remove any illegal electricity connections before municipal teams begin enforcement operations again.
Fines would be issued to those who do not comply.
“We have been battling with illegal connections in this area and our teams had be escorted by Police when they were removing the illegal connection and shortly after they leave, people reconnect themselves and / or some community members mobilise themselves to intimidate municipal employees.
“We have now agreed that community will also play their part to protect their electricity network and innocent people who are at risk of being electrocuted.
“Illegal connections are putting lives at risk and crippling our infrastructure
“We are urging residents to act now. Voluntary compliance will help us avoid unnecessary penalties and speed up the restoration of stable electricity supply in Ext 6,” Executive Mayor Mngemezulu stated.