by: Cheryl Phillips, DA Constituency Head: Rustenburg Local Municipality
Residents in Karlienpark and Zinniaville, Rustenburg, have been without any electricity supply for 7 days following violent protests in the area last week.
Residents lodged requests with the Rustenburg Local Municipality to address the numerous unsafe and illegal electricity connections which cause power interruptions in these areas due to an overload in demand.
Last week Wednesday, a convoy consisting of SAPS, SANDF and the municipal electrical unit disconnected the illegal electricity connections.
This was followed by violent protests resulting in damaged electricity infrastructure.
Illegal connections cannot be allowed for the mere fact that these are dangerous to the lives of people. There is no need for illegal connection if the municipality did its work.
The DA is of the strong view that the Rustenburg Municipality should identify those community members who cannot afford electricity and register them for indigency, so that they may enjoy funded free basic electricity services through safe and legal connections.
As a result of the increased illegal electricity connections, loyal rate-paying residents are also left without electricity supply. This causes friction between communities. This can be avoided through good governance, which is, unfortunately, lacking in Rustenburg.
The DA will write to the Municipal Manager, Victor Makona, to mobilise teams to repair the damaged electricity infrastructure to reconnect electricity supply to residents as a matter of urgency.
Media Enquiries:
Cheryl Phillips, MP
DA Constituency Head: Rustenburg Local Municipality
083 321 4204
Chris Steyl
DA North West Acting Provincial Campaigns Director
078 652 5284