Nellmapius electrification project finally kicks off – after 5 years of no power
Residents received the houses back in 2015 from the metro thinking that they would soon get electricity as well.
Residents of Nellmapius ext. 22 who were without electricity for the past five years have welcomed Tshwane metro’s electricity project.
“We will no longer stress about staying in the dark or freeze in the cold anymore.”
This came after Tshwane metro handed over the electrification project to the contractor to commence with construction in May 2021.
Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo said the project was around 15% done thus far.
“The project is expected to be completed in June 2022,” said Mashigo.
“The project is continuing as expected. Nineteen local EPWPs and two community liaison officers have been employed and working with the contractor to deliver the project. The process to employ qualifying local SMMEs is underway,” he said.
Mashigo added that the metro does engage the community about the project matters through the appointed community representatives and community liaison officers.
In the past, residents used to take their frustration to the streets and barricaded Solomon Mahlangu Drive with stones and burning tyres demanding answers on when are they going to get electricity.
One of the residents, James Nkosi, said they welcome the project and were happy that they will soon have electricity.
“We are happy that the project has already commenced and we will see to it that the project is completed in the given time frame with no interruptions,” said Nkosi.
Nkosi said soon they will no longer use paraffin and gas stoves to cook and is looking forward to not in winter.
Another resident Dimakatso Mphela said last year alone four houses in Nellmapius burned down because of unattended candle lights.
Residents received the houses back in 2015 when the metro handed them their houses thinking that they would soon get electricity as well.
She said with electricity she will now have visitors over and can finally stay with her children.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
