ERMELO  – Local farmers, raised concerns regarding the installation of electricity poles and power lines to the Nyibe informal settlement.

According to one of the farmers, Eskom personnel initially sought permission from them to conduct measurements on their property for planning purposes.

However, he claims that subsequent actions involved the cutting down of 100-year-old trees and the placement of poles on not only his farm but neighbouring farms, too, without further consultation or consent.

“They never came back with an agreement or plan for me to look at, they only came to do the work without our knowledge or consent. We never signed or agreed to anything other than them taking measurements,” he said.

After the intervention by the farmers, the installation continued, but now with utility poles being erected along Havenga Road, a route frequently used by about 3 000 trucks daily.

They basically left the already installed utility poles on the farms and continued elsewhere.

The farmer also claims that the project will necessitate the cutting down of numerous trees in Oos Street to connect the power lines next to the Hendrina Road.

Farmers, who gave their initial permission for planning only, is concerned not only about the environmental impact of the tree felling and the safety risks posed by the pole placement along the busy Havenga Road, but they claim that the project is unlawfull.

One of the proportional representative councillors of the Msukaligwa Municipality, spoke with Highvelder on the condition of anonymity. He told the publication that he is not aware of any such projects and according to his knowledge this was never discussed in council.

He also said that there were no public participations meetings to hear any objections from the public.

The Highvelder has sent media enquiries to Mandla Zwane, spokesperson for Msukaligwa Local Municipality, asking him to provide documentation of the planning and environmental impact assessment conducted for this project.