Poles earmarked for Magabe Park electrification project torched

BURGERSFORT

The electrification project at Magabe Park in Mabocha has been halted after alleged criminals burnt some poles in the village. The poles were burnt during the morning of March 8. The torching of equipment will delay the expected finalisation of the project as it was anticipated that the village will have power by end of April. The project commenced back in July 2023.
Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) ‘s mayor Eddie Maila has condemned the burning of equipment labelling the act ‘sabotage’.

“Maila would like to condemn the acts of sabotage by individuals who torched electricity poles at Magabe Park, Ward 30. The FTLM will never allow such acts to derail the provision of basic services in our communities. We call upon law enforcement agencies to act against individuals who are destroying public infrastructure. Such cowardice acts will never deter the municipality in its mission of providing services to the communities. Those with information are urged to contact the police to arrest the criminals,” the municipality said in a statement.

The ANC’s Frans Medupi Montjane branch also condemned this incident. Secretary of the branch, Prince Maluleka indicated that the torching of equipment derailed development.

“As a branch of the ANC and leader of society, we condemn in the strongest terms the conducts of the mindless arsonists, such acts impacts the service delivery by the ruling party, such acts denies community their right to electricity, such acts hinders development within the ward and achievable targets by the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality.”

He added, “We urge law enforcement agencies to work day and night to apprehend the evil doers, they don’t deserve to be out in the streets with people, they deserve their own world in the cells, and all with information that can assist to the arrests, please visit the nearest police station with such information, and an example should be made with execution. We cannot be held at ransom in our own village.”

Several Magabe Park residents shared their disappointments after the burning of the poles. ” We were anticipating that our homes will be electrified soon, we plead with the FTLM and all stakeholders involved to work together and resurrect this project. “
People with information on the burning of the poles are urged to report the matter at Tubatse SAPS in Praktiseer.