Tshwane community bemoans not having water provision for 9 years
Residents in parts of Refilwe who are reeling from Tshwane’s failure to provide basic services are on the brink of blocking roads and burning tires, as they’re tired of begging for electricity.
Picture: Pixabay.com
PRETORIA - As the country marks 30 years of democracy, a Pretoria community has voiced disappointment at the government citing it’s been without water and electricity for nine years.
Refilwe residents – far east of Tshwane - say it’s only a matter of time until they take matters into their own hands in a bid to get the city’s attention.
They were moved from informal settlements to extensions 7 and 10 in Refilwe, where they’ve been staying since 2016.
However, they’re still waiting for the municipality to supply running tap water and electricity.
Residents in parts of Refilwe who are reeling from Tshwane’s failure to provide basic services are on the brink of blocking roads and burning tires, as they’re tired of begging for electricity.
In the last nine years, some of them resorted to what they call izinyoka electricity - a term describing illegal connections running from overhead power cables.
Community leader Naniki Khanya said they’d had several engagements with city officials but all they’ve done is to deliver false promises.
“We’ve been here for a period of nine years; it means there is no plan. It means someone is playing with us. And remember that we’ve got chronic elders here.”
While the city is yet to respond to Eyewitness News’ enquiry - residents rely on communal Jojo tanks for water.