Residents of Setswetla informal settlement say their biggest challenge is not only the condition of Florence Mophosho Road, but the lack of basic services that continues to affect the lives of residents throughout the settlement.
They pointed to the absence of electricity meters, damaged electricity infrastructure, and water challenges.
Economic Freedom Fighters’ Ward 109 proportional representative councillor Patricia Mabidilala said most households in Setswetla rely on informal electricity connections, because they do not have electricity meters.
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One of the transformers they rely on for power has already been damaged due to rampant illegal connections. Mabidilala stressed that residents are willing to pay for electricity if they are provided with proper connections. “If they give them electricity, they will pay for that electricity. I do not doubt.”
These are similar views expressed by the ward committee chairperson Samuel Seoka, who criticised City Power’s incomplete meter roll out initiative in the area, noting that some people cannot be expected to pay for electricity while others, within the same settlement, aren’t.
The expansion of the settlement has made previous meter rollout initiatives ineffective. The power utility previously noted that even after meters were installed in households that formed part of their electrification project footprint, it is likely that new structures were established, forming part of the current households without meters.
“Although thousands of meters were installed, many have since been bypassed or vandalised, while unauthorised connections continue to increase as the settlement grows,” spokesperson Isaac Mangena noted.
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Mabidilala said that water infrastructure is also a concern for some residents. She said some of the residents rely on a JoJo tank for water, as they do not have water infrastructure.
Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has raised concerns about water flowing onto tar roads in Setswetla as a result of human activities. Mabidilala confirmed that they also cautioned the community about the same issue. She said community leaders previously had a conversation with residents and they agreed to ensure they do not engage in any activities that they will end with water running onto the tar road.
“When you talk to them, some of them agree. In fact, one of the pipes here was spilling water too much and we were forced cut it.”
JRA stressed that water on tar roads damages infrastructure and makes it difficult for the entity to address the current challenges plaguing residents, especially on Florence Mophosho Road.
Mabidila said that they want Setswetla to improve, and are willing do their part.
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