Illegal connections could lead to violence
Ward councillor worried residents would turn on each for having been without electricity for almost three weeks.
Continuous power cuts caused by illegal electricity connections in Nellmapius could spark fighting between residents and informal settlement dwellers, a former ward councillor has warned.
According to former ward 86 councillor Thabo Ntlatleng, the problem started in 2017 when the area saw a fast-growing number of informal settlements.
He said the situation had worsened because formal residents in Nellmapius, who are paying for Tshwane utility services, were without electricity for almost three weeks.
“The most affected residents are from Nellmapius extensions 2 and 4 because they are residing next to Mavuso and Willow Farm informal settlements,” said Ntlatleng.
He said illegal electricity connections affected residents in Nellmapius extension 4 (Boleng and Halleluya streets) and in Nellmapius extension 2 (Serumola, Kgotso, Phedisana and Odirile streets).
Ntlatleng also said he submitted a complaint to the two previous Tshwane mayors, Solly Msimanga and Steven Mokgalapa, and the recent Tshwane acting mayor Abel Tau, as well as MMCs and the chief directors of electricity at Waltloo electricity depot.
A memorandum, signed by residents, was also sent to the acting regional executive director of region 6.
However, he said he was “caught between a rock and a hard place” because informal settlement residents were also demanding service delivery.
“Informal settlement residents are demanding water and electricity in the meantime, while waiting to be relocated,” said Ntlatleng.
He was worried that residents would turn on each for having been without electricity for almost three weeks.
He said the biggest problem was illegal connections in the informal settlement.
Ntlatleng said residents had since reported the matter of electricity and he also personally reported the matter including to senior members at Waltloo Tshwane electricity depot with no success.
“Tshwane metro needs to improve service delivery to the people or the residents will fight over electricity,” said Ntlatleng.
“Soon residents will clash over illegal connections and I do not want to be held responsible.”
Ntlatleng said that he did not want to see a repeat of what happened between Mahube Valley, Mamelodi East and Mountain View informal settlement residents in 2017.
Back then shacks were petrol-bombed and several houses attacked because of a transformer that blew up because it was overloaded with illegal connections, plunging the area into darkness.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashilo said the metro was aware of the situation and was working on a long-term plan to help those who affected by the illegal electricity connections.
He said that the Tshwane metro was concerned.
“We care about our paying customers,” he said.
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