by: Cllr Kate Ross, DA Councillor: City of Matlosana
For years, residents of Extension 3 Alabama have been experiencing water and electricity interruption while the Matlosana Local Municipality fails to offer a lasting solution.
The Extension 3 settlement in Alabama was built in 2005 and the electricity was connected before residents moved into their houses.
Since taking occupation of the houses in 2006, residents have been experiencing electricity interruptions, at least two to three times a week, due to an overload on the circuit breaker.
It then takes the municipality a day or two to respond to bring repairs and restore electricity supply.
Upon enquiry and several complaints, the DA was informed that the current circuit breaker cable needs to be replaced with one that has more capacity.
The DA was informed this circuit breaker costs about R500 000 and the municipality does not have the money to purchase it.
The municipality failed to do a proper development plan in anticipation of the growth of the population in Extension 3. As a result of their incompetence, it is the residents who suffer without electricity.
Further to the electricity interruptions, residents are continuously without water due to a pipe that regularly bursts in Rosebank street. The municipality has failed to find a permanent solution to the pipe bursts and as a result, residents are left without water for days.
The DA will write to the Municipal Manager, TSR Nkhumise, requesting him to immediately make provision for the replacement of the circuit breaker. The MM must also ensure that the pipe in Rosebank street is fixed to avoid the water interruptions.
The municipality is obligated to provide residents with water and electricity, they cannot simply ignore residents’ pleas due to their own poor planning and management.
Media Enquiries:
Cllr Kate Ross
DA Councillor: City of Matlosana
082 889 2701
Idah Satikhe
DA North West Communications Officer
079 700 5382