LIMPOPO – In a major stride toward enhancing service delivery and improving the quality of life for residents in rural villages, the Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM) has officially launched electrification projects in three villages in need of electricity: Xikukwani Eco-Park, Risinga View, and Ndhambi.

The announcement was made during a handover ceremony for the appointed contractors, held on Tuesday in the municipality’s new council chamber. The event marked a significant milestone in the municipality’s ongoing efforts to close infrastructure gaps and provide essential services, particularly in newly emerging residential areas.

Speaking at the event on behalf of Mayor Thandi Zitha, the municipality’s Infrastructure head, Cllr Thamsanqa Mabunda, described the electrification initiative as a vital part of Greater Giyani’s broader development agenda.

“The electrification projects will benefit a total of 847 households, with 362 located in Xikukwani Eco-Park, 343 in Risinga View, and 142 in Ndhambi,” explained Mabunda. He said the infrastructure rollout will include the erection of power lines, installation of transformers, and connection of homes to the electricity grid, a work that will be carried out by contractors and consultants officially introduced during the ceremony.

Mabunda was joined by technical director Bongani Mashele and a delegation of senior municipal officials. The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) chairperson, Cllr Erick Makondo, along with other senior councillors, also attended to show political support and to help ensure that the projects run smoothly and are completed on time.

Meanwhile, the electrification projects are scheduled to run over eight months, with a projected completion date of March 20 next year, counted from the date of the site handover. In addition to improving access to electricity, the initiative is expected to have positive economic spin-offs for the local population.

“We are not only bringing light into homes, but also boosting local economic opportunities as many jobs will be created out of these three projects,” said Mabunda. “Temporary job opportunities will be made available during the construction phase, prioritising the hiring of local labour to stimulate economic activity in these communities.”

Mabunda said the municipality was prioritising infrastructure development to boost the quality of life for all communities around the GGM. “As a municipality, we continue to prioritise infrastructure development as part of our long-term strategy to uplift communities and reduce inequality in access to essential services,” he said.