BOPHELONG. – On Thursday, January 18, residents of Bophelong were elated to witness a significant development as Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi inaugurated the installation of 19 electricity transformers within their community.

The momentous occasion took place at the Fountain of Life Global Church, drawing numerous residents who eagerly awaited the handover and the activation of the Siya Transformer, a part of the transformer replacement program.

Accompanied by Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor, Sipho Rade, and various MMCs including Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, Tumi Mochawe, Regina Makgala Lesoane, as well as City Power officials, Lesufi, following the ceremony, embarked on a tour to different extensions in the kasi to supervise the activation process.

Before Lesufi commenced his keynote address, Mayor Radebe expressed his thoughts on the transformer arrival, hinting at an increase in crime due to the community being enveloped in darkness.

He conveyed: “Safeguard the limited electricity you receive. You are familiar with your challenges, and we are here to assist you in overcoming them. The surge in crime is a result of the lack of electricity, and today, we are illuminating your surroundings. This light will rekindle the hope that was lost.”

Addressing the assembled crowd amidst their cheers, Lesufi expressed his joy in delivering transformers and bringing smiles to the people of Bophelong.

He disclosed: “I requested City Power to procure transformers and dispatch them to us [provincial government] so that we can illuminate the lives of the people, and today, we are making good on that commitment. In a single day, I am delivering 19 transformers to ensure our people have access to electricity.”

Acknowledging the hardships faced during the festive season, Lesufi apologized to the community, stating: “We regret that some of you spent Christmas in the dark, and your children went to school without electricity on their first day.

However, those days are now behind us; electricity will be restored.”

Touching upon the issue of poor roads and burgeoning dumping sites in the Vaal region, Lesufi asserted his determination to address these concerns. He declared: “We won’t stop here. I informed your mayor about the substandard roads in Emfuleni that are unfit for use.

Starting on the first of February, I will initiate the repair of 41 deteriorating roads. Importantly, these repairs will be funded not by your municipality but by the provincial government.”

Expressing concern over the cleanliness of the Vaal, Lesufi remarked: “The Vaal is excessively polluted, and I question whether the cleanup efforts are only happening because of my visit. I am committed to addressing these dumping sites as well. Living in a place infested with rats is unacceptable. You are human beings and deserve to reside in a clean environment.”