GTM launches electrification project for 240 homes
GTM has launched a R6m project to electrify 240 Burgersdorp households, with completion set for February 2026 and future phases planned.
TZANEEN – The Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has officially launched the electrification of 240 households in Colbilitz (Burgersdorp).
On Monday, August 25, GTM Infrastructure exco member Cllr Conny Ramothwala handed over the site to OTS Electrical, the appointed contractor tasked with implementing the project.
The company has been awarded a six-month contract, with work expected to be completed by the end of February 2026.
Colbilitz, situated along the R36 after Gavaza village and Burgersdorp, consists of more than 500 stands. However, due to financial constraints, only 240 households will be connected in this first phase.
Speaking at the event, Ramothwala highlighted the impact of reduced national funding for rural electrification.
“The allocation from the national government has been cut from R20m to R10m. As a result, we can only electrify less than half of the households in Colbilitz during this financial year. We remain committed to ensuring that the remaining households are prioritised in future phases, subject to budget availability,” she said.
The project will cost the GTM R6m of its own money and forms part of its broader programme to improve service delivery in rural and peri-urban areas. Ramothwala also issued a stern warning against vandalism of electricity infrastructure, urging residents to safeguard the new network.
“The vandalism of infrastructure hampers service delivery and delays progress in communities that desperately need these services. We appeal to all residents to protect the infrastructure so that it benefits the intended households,” she added.
