Amahlathi Local Municipality, Kei Road – Residents of Northern Node, a newly developed rural area, and Gasela, a developing area in Stutterheim, are frustrated and concerned about the lack of electricity in their communities.
Despite significant development and construction of RDP houses, Northern Node has been without electricity since its establishment. The committee, along with Vuyisa Delekile, the project’s Community Liaison Officer (CLO), has sought help through various channels.
On November 1, 2024, the community held a meeting to address the issue. Residents expressed anger and concern about the impact on daily life, particularly children’s education, food security, and safety. “We can’t even iron our children’s school uniforms,” said a parent. “This affects their self-esteem.” A Grade 11 learner shared her struggles with research assignments due to no electricity to charge her phone.
The lack of electricity has left residents fearful for their safety during the upcoming December holidays, as the absence of streetlights increases the risk of crime, including rape and murder, under the cover of darkness. Furthermore, the community’s inability to store perishable food items, such as meat, due to non-functional refrigerators.
Gasela residents have faced the same issue since September 2023, despite promises of electricity. Frustrated residents threaten to protest.
On November 8, 2024, Councillor Mooi Nqini together with Litha Batyi, Gasela Community Leader, met with Eskom officials. The meeting was prompted by community threats to protest and block the N6 road due to delayed electricity provision and broken promises. Frustrated by the wait, the community pushed Net and Batyi to seek solutions from Eskom. Outcomes include a meeting scheduled for November 20 in Gasela, Eskom’s promise to visit Northern Node before November 18, and commitment to expedite electricity installation.
Residents of both areas demand urgent attention to their electricity needs, urging authorities to provide a clear timeline for electricity installation, address safety concerns, and support education and economic development.
Efforts to contact Northern Node’s councillor have been unsuccessful as numerous calls and text messages were left unattended.