Mayor Vusi Nhlapho addressed Siyanqoba residents following their protest over ongoing service delivery failures, where electricity, water, sanitation, waste management, and unemployment were raised as urgent concerns.

On February 25, residents blocked roads, demanding action from the Emalahleni Local Municipality, citing years of unfulfilled promises and growing frustration.

READ MORE HERE: Residents of Siyanqoba block roads over service delivery failures

From service delivery to employment opportunities, Siyanqoba residents say the inaction has gone on too long
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“I’ve been staying in Siyanqoba for eight years, and there’s still no proper infrastructure, electricity, water, sanitation, waste management, or employment opportunities,” said resident Phiona Sibande. “Our leaders from the municipality only come to us when they need something, make promises, and fail to deliver. We’re tired of being ignored.”

Responding to the concerns, Nhlapho acknowledged the frustrations.

“Everything that you are raising, it’s not for the first time I’m hearing them,” he said.

He explained that although the municipality has built a substation intended to electrify the area, it has not been connected to the Eskom grid.

“I spoke to the MMC for Technical Services, Clr Thabang Mathebula as we have spent the money to build the substation, why is the station not connected to the grid so that people can get electricity?” he said.

Some portions of Siyanqoba have electricity, while other parts remain without supply.

According to the mayor, the municipality is technically ready to supply electricity.

“The report from the MMC is that electricity is available. The municipality is ready to supply residents, but with the R12 billion debt, we can’t do anything because Eskom is reluctant to connect to their grid until we sign the proposed Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) first,” Nhlapho said.

DAA could unlock electricity — but at a cost

The DAA is a long-term contract that would enable Eskom to assume responsibility for electricity distribution, billing, and revenue collection within the municipality.
Nhlapho said he would escalate the matter at provincial level. However, he expressed concern about the financial implications of signing the agreement.

Electricity revenue remains one of the municipality’s key income streams used to subsidise other essential services.

“Our problem is how we will subsidise the other services if we sign the DAA, as already we are collecting a revenue of 49% and our target is 95%,” he said.

Water and other services

Residents also raised complaints about water shortages and allegations that water is being sold while some households are still awaiting supply. It was mentioned that progress on the water project is complete, with final processes being concluded.

The mayor added that other service delivery matters are being worked on.

“We are busy organising with my committee to visit the community with all the departments so that we can find solutions,” he said.

For now, Siyanqoba residents await a clear way forward, especially regarding the electricity crisis, while the municipality continues to address other service delivery issues.

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@witbanknews Mayor Vusi Nhlapho addressed Siyanqoba residents following their protest over ongoing service delivery failures, where electricity, water, sanitation, waste management, and unemployment were raised as urgent concerns. #emalahlenitiktok ♬ original sound – witbanknews

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