Soetveld community fed up with delayed electricity project

SOETVELD

Residents of Soetveld in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Ward 26, are expressing their frustration and anger over an abandoned electricity project that has been stalled since May 2025.

The project, which commenced in July 2024 and set to be completed in April 2025, was allocated a budget of R900 000, but it has been abandoned with no clear explanation provided to residents.

The project aims to connect 38 households in Soetveld Village and has now left residents with unanswered questions.

According to a community leader, Alfred Phaahla, the company appointed in the project has failed to deliver on its promises, and residents are being left in the dark, literally.

“The company does not follow occupational health and safety regulations, and there are reports about workers not being paid. The site is a hazard, with trenches and electric poles left unattended, posing a danger to children and the community at large,” Phaahla said.

He said residents are also complaining about lack of communication from the councillor and municipality officials, who are accused of being arrogant when the community approach for updates.

“The councillor is not updating the community with any progress in the projects, and the municipality officials are not taking us seriously. It is as if they don’t care about our plight,” Phaahla added.

The community is also blaming the municipality for failing to push for the completion of the project, and they are demanding answers.

“We have been waiting for this development for a long time, and it is frustrating to see it being delayed due to incompetence. We want the municipality to take responsibility and ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible,” Phaahla said.

The community is calling for an investigation into the matter, citing concerns of corruption and nepotism. They are demanding that the municipality takes immediate action to address the situation and ensure that the project is completed to the required standards.

Thomas Mashabela, MLM Spokesperson, said the major components of the project infrastructure have been completed, including installation of medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) lines, erection and commissioning of transformers and straining and termination of MV lines.

“What’s outstanding on the project activity plan is the installation of Eskom-approved split meters for the 38 beneficiary households. Project progress has been delayed due to the unavailability of the specified meter type from approved suppliers,” he said.

In light of the supply challenges, Mashabela said the contractor has been granted an extension to complete all remaining works.

“This extension will allow for the delivery and installation of the required split meters, followed by the final testing, commissioning, and handover of the completed electrification project,” he said.

Mashabela indicated that following a site assessment by officials, the municipality has since instructed the contractor to deploy a team to the site to inspect and verify the current site condition and ensure that any safety hazards, including open holes, are properly managed to ensure closed community safety.

“A follow-up with the contractor will be made to ensure adherence. The municipality, through the ward councillor and the CLO, is maintaining communication and updates to community members during community meetings. The municipality continues to uphold transparency and collaboration with the community stakeholders to ensure support and understanding regarding the current project delays,” explained Mashabela.

He said the municipality, in coordination with the contractor and relevant stakeholders, is working to resolve these challenges and ensure project completion within the extended timeframe.