LIMPOPO – Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) Mayor Odas Ngobeni, together with his team, recently conducted an oversight inspection of electricity at Talana Hostel.

The purpose of the visit was to engage with residents and assess the situation on the ground.

Illegal connections widespread

During the inspection, officials found that many households in the informal settlement had made illegal electricity connections, a practice that negatively affects paying residents.

Ward 15 Councillor Chrizelle Dreyer said illegal connections have been a long-standing problem in the area and expressed doubt that the situation will improve, citing high levels of unemployment among residents.

She said the illegal connections have also caused conflict within the community, as tampering with the electricity supply disrupts service for those who pay.

“I know of one resident who went five days without electricity and had to get a new meter because a neighbour had illegal connections,” Dreyer said.

She added that unless the socio-economic challenges in the area are addressed, the problem is likely to persist, as many residents are unable to pay due to their circumstances.

Municipality warns of disconnections

Meanwhile, GTM municipal manager Freedom Mthethewa warned that the municipality will disconnect electricity supply to households found to be engaging in illegal connections if the practice continues.