Electricity and water interruptions in Standerton the past week drew attention to the inability of infrastructure to withstand anything from rain, to wind, to a storm.
The locals who cross the bridge towards town, have their work cut out for them.
Not only is Nelson Mandela Drive peppered with potholes, their households are brought to a standstill when water dries up and power goes off.
The communications department of the Lekwa Municipality issued a notice, dated November 18, saying cable theft affected electricity supply in Meyerville.
The theft took place in Johann Street, Meyerville during load-shedding and power supply was to be restored once the Lekwa Municipality had secured the cable through suppliers.
According to the notice, supply chain processes had begun and delivery was expected by Friday, November 19, should all go according to plan.
Lekwa requested anyone with information on crimes, related to vandalism and theft, to contact the police.
Municipal electricians were on site in Meyerville on Friday to attend to the cable problem.
Mid-town did not fare any better with regard to water and power.
Clean drinking water was available at two points in Coligny Street, Amazing Grace Academy and The Guesthouse, as well as Kasselman Security Services in Caledon Street with Laerskool Kalie de Haas also assisting.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted two Freedom Front Plus-councillors the past week, for comment on the power situation and their visit to the Standerton Water Treatment Plant.
A faulty transformer caused water interruptions in several wards.
Both Ms Wilma Venter, councillor for Ward 10, as well as Mr Corné Stoltz, councillor for Meyerville, replied that written comments will be forwarded from their provincial office.
Mr Stoltz sent the statement of the Freedom Front Plus on November 19, saying residents were battered due to the the power interruptions the past few days.
According to the statement, some interruptions go on for three days, resulting in a negative effect on locals and local businesses, causing a snowball-effect on economic growth.
With regard to the rainy season, heavy, wet tree branches’ proximity to power lines, as well as wind, cause power interruptions.
The Freedom Front Plus said decisive action should be taken to prune the trees and cut off lower branches.
The party found it unacceptable that the municipality has no cherry-picker available for these kinds of projects.
They are of the opinion that the municipality should invest in such to ensure the safety of locals as low-hanging branches that break off, could result in a safety risk.
The VF Plus in Standerton underscored the importance of working hand-in-hand with Lekwa to improve service delivery for everybody.
A possibility of working with private security companies should also be looked at.
The statement referred to cable theft during load-shedding and power interruptions, saying CCTV-cameras and control rooms can keep an eye on risk-areas.
The VF Plus concluded with saying the damage caused by storms, cost the municipality too much money, which is worrisome since pro-activeness is possible.
Residents of Ext 7 and Ext 8 in the township had per usual their share of problems.
The power at the flats in Ext 8 notably, as well as Draaihoek Farm, Elmtree, is intermittent.
Lekwa Municipality sent three water trucks to deliver water to the community.
The Standerton Advertiser called the communications manager of the Lekwa Municipality, Ms Thobeka Mtshiselwa, on Friday, November 19.
Official comment was requested on Lekwa’s ability to weather the power and water challenges.
Ms Mthiselwa referred the newspaper to Lekwa’s Facebook-page.
