Mzinti residents now hopeful that grievances will be addressed

MZINTI – After week-long protest action, residents are confident and hopeful that illegal electricity connections and water scarcities are nearing an end.

This came to light on September 11, following the appointment of the respective contractors who will be responsible for the projects in the community. Residents say despite having to resort to protesting, they are happy that some action is being taken to address their grievances.

“I am relieved and happy that after so long, at least something is being done to address our concerns. Over the years, I have had to pay for 10 cows which have died as a result of being electrocuted by illegal connections. At least once Eskom has provided proper electricity, I will never have to pay for another cow,” a Mzinti resident said.

According to another resident, the danger of children being electrocuted was always a constant fear for parents. “We have live electrical wires on all the roads. As a parent you live in constant fear of hearing that your child has been electrocuted.”

The spokesman for Nkomazi Municipality, Mr Cyril Ripinga, confirmed that both contractors had been appointed and were already on site.

“As we speak both the contractors for the bulk-water pipe project, and the Mzinti electrification project, are on site and have begun working. Despite being delayed by the uprising, which prevented them from entering the area, we are confident that the projects will be completed on schedule,” he said.

Ripinga furthermore said they were also working hard towards addressing other grievances which were raised by the community.

“We are not only working hard towards addressing the issues of water and electricity, but we are also trying to ensure that we address all others that were raised by the residents. These include ensuring that elderly citizens receive their pension at the community hall,” Ripinga said.