The office of the mayor confirmed a new transformer was purchased at an amount of R14 546 580.58 and is expected to arrive in eMalahleni this week. 

The old transformer could no longer carry the load as a result of its low capacity leading to its malfunction.

The municipality earlier issued a statement saying that it would take approximately six weeks for repairs to be completed on the old transformer.

KwaGuqa residents have been without electricity for almost five weeks, and the outraged residents took matters into their own hands when they implemented a shutdown protest action on the N4 on Monday, November 7.  

Executive Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Clr Conny Nkalitshana, said the financing and implementation of capital projects in the municipality are in the main funded through conditional grants while none or limited by municipal funds.

“This is due to the municipality’s financial position as a result of non-payment of municipal services however the situation is critical, was unforeseeable and of an emergency nature that requires urgent attention.”

The supplier and the municipality are busy with other supporting works to expedite both the delivery and installation of the transformer.

The mayor said affected communities can expect to have electricity in approximately two weeks, should there be no delays considering the recent weather conditions, road transportation permits, and accessibility. 

In a media statement issued by the office of the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mr Mandla Msibi condemns in the strongest terms the destruction made to government infrastructure and malicious damage to property after protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and rubble since last week. 

“When people get angry and frustrated, they should use normal channels of communication rather than attacking public infrastructure and thereby prevent other people from getting service which the public desperately needs,” said MEC Msibi. 

Several organisations operating within the area of KwaGuqa condemned the events of looting and torching of stores in the area, “The aim was for the march to be as peaceful as possible. However, it was hijacked by other concerned groups with malicious intentions,” said Mr Sbusiso Ndlovu from Sanco. 

Ms Gremmah Lukhele, chairperson of Emalahleni Civic Organisation (Eco) refuted claims of members from the organisation participating in the looting that led to two deceased.

“We were at the march as Eco to support the community at large with the grievances they encountered. We are deeply saddened by the passing of two members of our community. Unfortunately, we were surrounded by opportunists who had their own agendas.” 

Nkalitshana commended community members for opening roads and allowing schooling to resume on a day of relative calmness on Tuesday, November 8.

The mayor advised KwaGuqa residents to remain patient with the municipality.

She further alerted residents should not spread misleading information that may perpetuate violence.

Any information regarding the transformer will be provided strictly by her office. 

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