There is light at Flora Park

Last Wednesday seemed to have been the happiest day for residents from the two sections in KwaThema when mayor, Mondli Gungubele and MMC for water and energy, councillor Aubrey Nxumalo launched an electrification project.

The rain and lightening on the day did not stop residents from attending the official launch to witness many homes receiving light from the metro.

Delivering his speech, the mayor said the challenges that the residents encountered due to not having electricity have come to an end.

He appealed to residents to stop illegal connections but to be patient until their turn to receive electricity comes.

“Parents, teach your children about the dangers of illegal electricity connections,” appealed Gungubele.

He said he believes that the high rate of young people dropping out from school is the result of the illegal connections that happen in the townships.

“A young person loses interest in going to university to become the electrician thinking that he knows how to do it after illegally connecting a few houses in the community,” the mayor said.

One of the residents who has never owned a home with electricity, Athalia Lebotse could not hide her excitement.

“I bought a new TV and other electricity appliances knowing that they will never be damaged by the explosion of illegally connected electricity wires,” said excited Lebotse.

Ward councillor Wilson Busakwe confirmed that residents have been living in the dark shacks for more than 20 years.

He said the protests that have been taking place in the area were the residents’ way of showing their frustration at living in the dark.

Clr Busakwe said the remaining section D area will be electrified before December 31.

The metro’s spokesman, Sam Modiba also confirmed that the 716 stands in KwaThema’s extension three will all be electrified by June 2014.