RESIDENTS of Phatsima section 3, outside Rustenburg in the North West, have voiced their frustrations over the government's failure to provide them with electricity.
They've been demanding access to electricity for several years, only to receive empty promises.
Resident Jane Mabe highlighted the high cost of living, noting that the lack of electricity makes their situation worse.
"We've approached the municipality many times, but they keep making empty promises," Jane said.
She said that community representatives had once again approached the municipality to express their concerns about living without electricity for more than seven years.
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Jane told Daily Sun that they were tired of relying on paraffin for cooking.
"We desperately need electricity because paraffin is costly," she said.
Jane also mentioned the financial strain of having to buy takeaways every day due to the inability to store food.
Another resident, Kgomotso Mosebekoa, expressed her worry with illegal connections to the power grid, which endanger the community.
"Some residents have resorted to illegal connections, which is wrong, but they felt they had no choice," she said
Mmapula Lekgetho, another resident, has vowed not to vote in this year's elections until their demands for services are met.
"My children don't even know what a TV is," she said.
Councillor Dimakatso Sethonga acknowledged the community's frustrations, citing delays due to the formalisation of the area.
"Our people need to understand that the process takes time," she said, assuring that services would be provided once everything is in order.
Rustenburg Mayor Sheila Mabale-Huma said that Phatsima falls under Eskom's jurisdiction.
She mentioned plans to collaborate with Eskom on budget allocation to ensure the residents receive electricity, reaffirming the municipality's commitment to service delivery.
