Illegal connections run rampant at Casuarina Beach settlement

Illegal electricity connections to the Thuthukani settlement at Casuarina Beach pose a serious danger to motorists on the M4 and the residents who live there.

Makeshift bamboo poles on either side of the M4 highway carry the cable across the road, then split into hundreds of feeder lines across Genazzano Road. 

Electrician Brian Kirby warned that the cables and poles were a safety hazard.

“They have not been erected with proper safety protocols, and if those poles fall they could easily cause an accident.”

A resident, who asked not to be named, confirmed the danger of illegal connections, saying that many people have died trying to connect the cables.

He said members of the community had been lobbying for a legal connection for over 15 years, but because of the settlement’s illegal status nothing was done.

“People see the cables and say that we are criminals, but do we not deserve electricity? We have been here for 25 years, this is our home.”

DA Ward 58 Cllr Geoff Pullan said it had been a never-ending battle with the municipality to provide a reasonable solution.

“At some point the cost to the businesses and the areas that have been affected must outweigh the cost of providing these settlements with safe electricity,” he said.

Ethekwini municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said illegal connections were a consistent problem for the municipality.

“We cannot supply free electricity for illegal settlements, they are not correctly zoned and do not have the infrastructure support. When there is an issue in these communities we are expected to help, but often none of the correct channels have been engaged. It costs us millions in losses every year,” said Mayisela.