R26 Million electrification project switched on in uMtubatuba
Our province continues to create service delivery liberated zones. Where we have seen a significant number of our municipalities being close to achieving universal access in key basic service delivery such as electricity.
Life without electricity for the over 800 families in eMapheleni in the uMtubatuba Local Municipality has been a very tough one. The daily chore of fetching firewood from the surrounding forest, is one that is filled with many dangers. According to Thokozile Mkhize (54), her family constantly faced the risk of being bitten by snakes, whenever they would venture into the forest.
The roll out of electricity into this community has drastically changed all of this as the family now can enjoy the benefits of electricity. “We no longer worry about buying candles and the fire hazard that they pose,” said Thokozile.
The official switch on, for this R26 million electrification programme was held on Friday, 28 February, and was attended by KZN Cogta MEC, Mrs Nomusa Dube-Ncube, together with the Deputy Minister for Energy, Mrs Barbara Thompson.
According to Dube-Ncube, this electrification programme clearly shows government’s commitment to the development of rural areas. “The uMkhanyakude District, within which this area falls under, mainly consists of rural areas, which were completely forgotten by the apartheid regime. As government we are committed to ensuring that we restore the dignity of our citizens who leave in rural areas, indeed we agree with the President of the Republic, His Excellency, Mr. Jacob Zuma when he says, “We have a good story to tell,” said Dube-Ncube.
In her address Deputy Minister Thompson, called on members of the community to ensure that they use electricity responsibly, in light of the country’s shortages. “It is important that we save electricity and ensure that none is wasted unnecessarily,” she said.
