ERMELO – Vrede Street has become a symbol of municipal neglect, where the sidewalks buzz — quite literally — with danger.

Despite clear evidence of illegal electricity connections stretching for hundreds of metres, the Msukaligwa Local Municipality continues to show no urgency or will to act.

Highvelder first brought this issue to light in July last year, when we documented the scale of these illegal connections and reported the matter to the municipality.

The hope was that swift intervention would follow.

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But nearly a year later, the situation remains unchanged, if not worse.

In one section of the street, the sharp crackle of electrical arcing can be heard from a small puddle of water where a bare, live wire lies submerged.

Just earlier this week, the Msukaligwa Municipality indicated a proposed electricity tariff increase of 11.32%, subject to Nersa’s approval.

For residents who pay their bills, the irony is glaring, while they’re expected to shoulder a heavier financial burden, illegal connections remain untouched and dangerous.

Read the complete article in Highvelder.