The DA in Lepelle Nkumpi municipality requests the Mayor of ,Meriam Molala, and senior Eskom officials to prioritize the repair, replacement and submerging of the electricity cables in Zone-B and across affected parts of ward 15.
Since 2011 during a storm water build, contractors encountered underground electricity cables protected by galvanized steel pipes.
After completing the project, Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality failed to replace the protective casings and opted instead for plastic piping, left exposed and above ground.
This temporary measure has now become a permanent risk exploited by cable thieves, leaving residents powerless and vulnerable.
During the last week, residents in Lebowakgomo Zone-B have been without electricity, despite repeated reports and pleas for intervention directed at both the ward councillor, municipality and Eskom.
The cables were replaced yesterday afternoon at 16:00, only to be stolen again during the night.
This is no longer just a matter of inconvenience:
- Learners’ studies are disrupted in the middle of winter school preparation
- Chronic patients, including diabetics who rely on refrigerated medicine, are now at risk
- Rising crime and safety concerns are intensified by the ongoing darkness in the community
The DA has raised this issue through proper municipal channels to no avail. It is unacceptable that basic infrastructure meant to protect vital services has been neglected for over a decade.
The DA will write to the Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to request an urgent oversite visit to assess the failures in both project execution and long-term service delivery in Zone-B.
The DA will continue to advocate for residents’ rights to safe, reliable electricity until this matter is resolved.