Thabo Bodibe
Since the launch of the transformer replacement programme, communities once plagued by frequent power outages and unreliable electricity supply have experienced a profound transformation. What was once a daily struggle for households and businesses alike has now become a story of resilience and empowerment.
This programme has not just upgraded infrastructure, it has provided beneficiaries with a sense of security and a belief in a brighter future. One such beneficiary is Keabetswe Motsumi from Orange farm Ext 2 who said it had been over two years without electricity and power was restored last year has restored hope.
“It has made life much better, having electricity means I can bring on lights. Orange Farm is a community with a high rate of crime, we have streetlights that are not functional.
“Having electricity means we can light up our homes and make the area safer-maybe not completely, but those outdoor lights help us stay aware of what’s happening around us.
“I think this is the major change that electricity has brought in our daily lives. Of course, not forgetting how we are now able to bath with warm water without having to start a fire, charge our phones and use internet cafes to send job applications,” she said
Motsumi said she wishes the GPG can address safety in our area but also bring about job opportunities because the two go hand in hand.
She blamed the crime in her area on social ills, such as poverty, inadequate public services, and disparities in wealth.
This she said has created a cycle where people who have jobs put in a lot of effort to earn things that can improve their lives. Meanwhile, those involved in criminal activities view this as a chance to steal which is how they provide for themselves and their families.
“We still experience load shedding and load reduction on a weekly base, we have migrated to KRN-2 system. We have gained insights from our interference with the initial meters that were installed for our use.
“Tampering with the meters had complicated our ability to seek assistance from Eskom. Furthermore, however we do report suspicious activities as these practices are illegal and motivated,” she added.
Operation Khanyisa iGauteng was launched in October 2023. Led by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi the Transformer Replacement programme was aimed at reconnecting communities enduring prolonged periods without electricity, beyond scheduled load shedding, back to the grid.
Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) had secured funding of R1.2 billion to replace all transformers in townships without electricity. To date, the Gauteng Government has replaced 522 transformers within the five regions of Gauteng benefiting over 2,5 million people in 25 200 households.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
