Illegal electricity connections continue
Despite the dangers involved, illegal electricity connections are still being made in the Itireleng squatter camp.
Illegal connections continue to be a problem in Laudium Extension 3, frustrated residents said this week.
Disgruntled local, Salie Davids, said illegal electricity connections had been going on for years.
“Illegal connections are made by people living in the squatter camp. They connect straight from electricity street poles with wires that sometimes run on the ground all the way to the Itireleng informal settlement.”
He said residents had raised the issue with the Tshwane metro, but to no avail. “We have reported the matter of electricity theft to the metro, but we are yet to see anything be done. Our cries are being ignored.”
Davids said his electricity bill continued to rise at an alarming rate.
“Last month my bill was more than R50 000, and who knows how much I will be asked to pay this month. If illegal connections continue, our bills will become bigger and bigger, because we have to share electricity with people from the squatter camp who are not paying a cent.”
Itireleng squatter camp resident Josias Mofokeng said people from the camp had been in talks with the Tshwane metro about getting electricity and running water.
“Life is tough here mfowethu (my brother). We have been living here for years and there is no sign we will ever get the basic needs people get in other townships and squatter camps. We complain about water, we toyi-toyi, but still nothing is done.”
Another Itireleng resident, Andries Mafutha, said those stealing electricity from Laudium residents were making life tough for others.
“Some of us cross into Laudium to ask for piece jobs. But if people from this squatter camp continue to steal electricity from Laudium, the people from that area will never trust us enough to give us piece jobs.”
He said Itireleng residents had to be patient and give the Tshwane metro time to provide them with electricity in the squatter camp.
“I know it’s difficult in winter without electricity, but stealing power is not the solution. It is very dangerous, because some of these stolen power wires run on the ground and we have children running around barefoot. It will be a very bad lesson for some of our residents when their children lose a leg, hand or even their lives,” said Mafutha.
Rekord asked Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo for comment, but at the time of publication he had not responded.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
