Kouga Local Municipality is taking a firm stance against illegal electricity connections by rolling out a large-scale electrification project in the informal settlement in Sea Vista, St Francis Bay, one of several strategic projects to safeguard lives, protect municipal infrastructure, and ensure communities have access to safe, legal power.
This follows the Department of Public Works granting Kouga Local Municipality approval to proceed with the electrification of ERF 746 Portion 97.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said that although the municipality is not responsible for electrifying the land, as it is owned by the Department of Public Works and should be formally developed by the Department of Human Settlements, the municipality took the proactive step of applying for permission to use its own municipal funds to bring electricity to the area.
“We did this because we believe that restoring dignity through basic services like electricity cannot be delayed by red tape. Where we can act, we will,” said Bornman.
The first phase of the project will see the electrification of 250 informal households at a cost of R3.5 million, with 145 households already connected to the electricity grid, addressing long-standing infrastructure backlogs, while curbing illegal connections and the dangers they pose.
At the heart of the installation is a 315kVA 22kV/420V transformer, supported by poles, overhead low-voltage bundled conductor wiring, pole boxes, and prepaid split metres, delivering a modern, safe, and sustainable energy solution.
Bornman described the project as a transformative moment for the community.
“This is more than just a technical upgrade; it is a restoration of safety, security and dignity for Sea Vista’s residents,” said Bornman.
“Legal electricity connections reduce the risk of fires and electrocution, prevent power losses, and ensure households can rely on a stable supply of power. Access to electricity opens the door to improved living conditions and greater opportunities for residents.”
This marks only the first phase of the electrification project for Sea Vista.
As part of its commitment to sustainable service delivery, Kouga Municipality is also exploring additional strategies to detect, prevent, and penalise illegal connections throughout the region, ensuring that infrastructure investments are protected and services reach those who need them most.
This includes ongoing operations to clamp down on illegal electricity connections, the deployment of roaming surveillance cameras, and community education initiatives, including the distribution of informational pamphlets.
“Kouga Local Municipality is taking a firm stance against illegal connections and investing in long-term solutions that build safer, more resilient communities,” said Bornman.
He noted that despite the presence of 1,200 informal dwellings in Sea Vista, the municipality will not be extending electricity services to residents whose dwellings are affected by water accumulation.
Bornman further noted that tensions persist between residents of formal housing and those residing in informal settlements due to the frequent power outages because of illegal connections.
“The provision of electricity to informal settlement residents is expected to reduce electricity disruptions affecting Sea Vista’s formal housing sector,” said Bornman.
Carel Smit, who has been residing in Sea Vista’s informal settlement for the past five years, stated that he has not encountered significant challenges living without electricity.
However, now that he has access to electricity, he said he looks forward to watching television, using his kettle, and ironing his clothing.
“I previously used gas, which I was fine with, but my life has improved greatly now that I have access to electricity in my home,” said Smit.
Nathaar Cupido, Chairperson of the Sea Vista Property Owners Association, expressed disappointment with Kouga Municipality’s R3.5 million electrification project, calling it a political move rather than a genuine effort to address pressing issues.
“The initiative was implemented without consultation with homeowners who had hoped for proper bulk servicing and electricity supply upgrades,” said Cupido.
He said that Sea Vista has suffered ungazetted load shedding for over 10 years, with residents losing appliances and receiving little support from the municipality.
Despite 145 households being connected in Phase 1, Cupido said that illegal connections continue, with some lines extending over 100 metres from Sea Vista’s urban edge.
“The criminals have become even more boisterous, ignoring the presence of SAPS vehicles and municipal workers while scaling power poles in broad daylight,” said Cupido.
Looking ahead, Cupido fears more blackouts for Sea Vista and neighbouring communities as the project expands.
He advocates for a dedicated law enforcement satellite office.
“If these illegal connections happened in affluent areas, there would be hellfire,” said Cupido.
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