Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Glenville Fransman
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks has written to the Executive Mayor, Cllr Gaba Ka Qhele, the Municipal Manager, and SAPS Station Commanders in Potchefstroom regarding the ongoing illegal connection and cable theft as a matter of urgency.
The DA in Potchefstroom is gravely concerned about the safety of residents in Promosa, Mohadin, and Ikageng, whose lives are in danger because of these illegal connections.
On the 17th of June, a report was received regarding a standoff between residents of Baipei, Rockville, Mohadin, and Hashtag informal settlements, calling the mayor and senior officials from SAPS in the Potchefstroom cluster for urgent intervention to calm the situation. Incidents were reported that some residents were assaulted during the protest on that Tuesday evening.
Illegal connections have been a significant problem in the municipality for the past 2 years, with some electrical connections visible along the Dassierand Road leading to the dumping site in Promosa. These illegal connections pose serious safety risks, including electric shocks, fires, injuries, or fatalities, particularly in informal settlements.
Theft and illegal connections put a strain on Eskom’s resources and ability to provide a reliable electricity supply, impacting even those who pay for their electricity. The cost of replacing stolen cables and repairing damaged infrastructure is substantial, impacting Eskom’s finances and potentially leading to increased electricity tariffs.
The DA warns that the lack of action against these crimes could deter investment and business activity in affected areas
We are requesting that they promptly prepare a plan to address the matters about electrical services provided to the residents of Promosa and Mohadin.
The DA will not stop here and will keep fighting until the municipality restores the rights and dignity of Potchestroom residents.