Turning the lights on in some communities is a pipedream. Promises of electrification projects destined for far flung areas have been made and in some areas, like Ndaba and Shayamoya, there are households that have been without power.
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Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality has been negotiating electrification projects with the Energy Department and Eskom since April and some councillors were intent on finding out the progress of these negotiations and ask tough questions about the delay, which has seen some communities wait four months.
This matter was a bone of contention at Thursday’s council meeting that was held in Wembezi. Councillors Mlaba and Mkhize were enraged when they discovered that the much-needed electrification projects item was removed from the agenda.
The pair repeatedly spoke of this issue until it was evident that it began to annoy the Speaker, Mr Mdakane, who wanted to continue with the agenda.
He requested that the councillors wait to reach the tenth item on the agenda, and that was when they could raise the issue. Tensions reached an all-time high when they realised they were going to be ignored until then. Community members seated in the gallery were heard mumbling: “We want electricity; you all are playing with us.”
The Speaker, Mr Mdakane called for order on numerous occasions, while the councillors quarrelled with him. Sharing each another’s sentiments, Councillors Mlaba and Mkhize refused to turn off their microphones until they made their point heard.
“This is a service delivery issue! Why is there no electricity in our wards? Why did the Municipal Manager say that he is not in a position to respond? We want a resolution!”
This was said in unison by the two councillors. The Administrator, Mr Manda had to step in and reiterate that the electrification projects would be raised as the agenda progressed.
According to the background information, the Infrastructure Portfolio Committee identified infrastructure upgrades, electrification and planned connections in areas such as Ndaba and Shayamoya.
These projects are planned to be implemented in the 2018/19 financial year. The electrification projects identified for implementation within the Inkosi Langalibalele municipal area required approval from the local municipality, district municipality, and this includes a council resolution.
The affected councillors accused the Mayor and Municipal Manager of meeting with Eskom officials and instructing them not to electrify certain wards.
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The councillors said this would be in direct contravention of what is stated in a letter from Electrification Planning Manager Mr Dlamini from the Department of Energy.
The letter from Mr Dlamini requested that the supporting documents to approve the projects will not be considered if not signed by the Municipal Manager.
The electrification projects will be subject to funding being approved by the Energy Department in this financial year, after the municipality reached a disclaimer audit opinion.
Seeking a way forward Councillor Edith Lite suggested that a letter be written to Eskom and if no response is received, representatives be invited to the next council meeting.
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