SEDIBENG – DA’s MPL Kingsol Chabalala has put Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi on blast following a statement made during the State of the Province Address (SoPA) delivered on February 25.

During his delivery, Lesufi said that working with Eskom, they have already electrified 39 000 homes in Evaton, bringing light and dignity to families who waited for far too long.
In response, Chabalala said Lesufi’s statement was misleading and was far removed from the reality on the ground.

“Under the leadership of the Premier, Evaton has remained a dark city. The community of Evaton continues to experience darkness, some for more than eight years.”

Chabalala said the lack of electricity in Evaton continues to have devastating consequences for the community which continues to suffer.

“Small businesses have been forced to close their doors. Learners are unable to study properly, undermining their education. Crime rates have soared in these unlit areas. Electricity infrastructure is being systematically stripped and vandalised.”

Chabalala said the Gauteng government had failed to heed the call from the NCOP Select Committee on Petitions to replace faulty and damaged transformers.

“I challenge the Premier to join me in an oversight inspection at Evaton and witness the conditions residents face daily. The community deserves to know which 39 000 houses have supposedly been electrified, as this claim bears no resemblance to the lived experience of Evaton’s residents.”

Lesufi, however, said that the government recognises that there are communities in Gauteng that remain without electricity for an extended period, such as in Evaton and `Winterveld.

“As government, we will do everything in our power to stamp out vandalism and cable theft which are the main causes of the break in transmission in these communities. Working with Eskom, we’ve locked in a multi-year plan to connect 1,000 more homes next year. To improve municipal revenue collection and reduce energy losses, we have installed more than 3,000 smart meters across Emfuleni, Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, and Lesedi.”