HERMANUS \u2013 Residents of Zwelihle met with Overstrand Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie and the Municipal Manager last week to discuss ongoing problems with electricity that have left certain areas without power for nearly two months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meetings held on 12, 13 and 15 September follow after a crowd of about 40 people marched to the municipal offices in Hermanus to hand over a memorandum highlighting their grievances over the power issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One resident of Kwasa Kwasa, who asked to remain anonymous, said life had been extremely difficult since two transformers had been damaged at the start of August leaving residents without electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Countless illegal electrical connections made by residents of Marikana informal settlement, he said, as well as vandalism of transformers are the main causes of electricity woes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have to visit friends in other areas to charge our phones. Crime has also increased because the area is so dark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is complete anarchy, criminals are vandalising government property and others have to suffer as result of this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dean O\u2019Neill, Overstrand\u2019s Municipal Manager, confirmed one transformer had been out of commission since 1 August and another since 18 August. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added: \u201cConstant power cuts are caused by the mushrooming of illegal connections. It causes interruptions to the delivery of electricity to residents and businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Replacing a transformer, explained O\u2019Neill, costs between R120 000 and R150 000, depending on the severity of damage to infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The municipality, which is responsible for the cost, stated it will not be able to replace damaged transformers constantly and the community should assist with identifying these criminals and to do all they can to safeguard the infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This led to heated debate with members of the community saying that they are intimidated by these criminals and fear for their safety should they disclose any information or inform on tampering incidents when they occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O\u2019Neill reported that theft and vandalism of infrastructure costs the municipality hundreds of thousand of rands, which \u201ccould have been diverted to services.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the municipality has no short-term solutions to the electricity problem, the long-term solution is to electrify all areas once the necessary approval has been granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe municipality is also engaging with other spheres of government to explore alternate solutions as well as grant funding opportunities to address the energy needs in these areas,\u201d said O\u2019Neill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabie indicated she would make an announcement on the electricity issue after she had met with the full council at a special council meeting, which was due to be held on 20 September.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HERMANUS \u2013 Residents of Zwelihle met with Overstrand Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie and the Municipal Manager last week to discuss ongoing problems with electricity that have left certain areas without power for nearly two 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