Illegal connections concern DA
BURGERSFORT - Illegal electrical connections are a hazard to residents of Mashamothane.
Some community members in the village are still relying on such connections. The DA in the Fetakgomo-Greater Tubatse Local Municipality (FGTLM) is concerned that after 24 years of democracy, villagers in Burgersfort are still without power.
“FGTLM has returned R10 million of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocated for the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) to the National Treasury due to underspending,” said Katlego Phala, a member of the party in Limpopo.
The party said the underspending is a slap in the face of the communities of Majadichukudu, Praktiseer Extensions, Riba Cross, Bothashoek and Ga Mashamothane villages.
“The DA can also confirm that a further R111 million has been allocated for MIG projects, despite the recent underspending. This must raise eyebrows on how the money will actually be spent on projects to benefit the community.”
Phala said that despite FGTLM’s huge service delivery backlog, the municipality also allocated R3,5 million to pay for pending litigation.
“The municipality cannot continue to forfeit money to National Treasury due to poor planning and weak financial controls, while poor communities are desperate for the provision of electricity.
“It is clear that the lack of political will by the ANC-led municipality contributes to the underspending, as supply chain management and financial regulations are being contravened by officials with impunity,” Phala added.
Meanwhile the party indicated that they have written to the mayor, Johannes Phokane, to immediately take action against the municipal manager, Tumelo Ratau, for failing to implement and oversee INEP projects. The DA said the connections in Mashamothane are a danger to kids and communities at large.
Steelburger/Lydenburg News contacted the municipal spokesman, Kubane Tolo, who indicated that FGTLM is in the advanced stages of re-implementing Operation Mabone.
“This will ensure that we get rid of illegal connections in our villages. As we speak, the municipality and various stakeholders such as Eskom, The Department of Energy and National Treasury are in meetings to ensure the operation is resurrected.”
Tolo said the R10 million of the MIG was not paid into the FGTLM’s accounts, and there was no underspending on their part. “The 10 million is only a commitment which is paid yearly by Treasury to accelerate Operation Mabone. Due to the legal battles in the operation, the money was not paid into our accounts.”
