EFF MP calls for service answers
EFF MP Zolile Xalisa has castigated the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) for allowing the people of Unathi Mkefa in Ezibeleni to live in the dark and without water while, he said, crime spiralled out of control.
In a letter from Xalisa, who is originally from Ezibeleni, he said he had taken up related concerns with EMLM executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza Nkwentsha and technical services portfolio head Sibusiso Mvana, but to no avail.
He accused Mvana of ignoring his calls about electricity outages in Unathi Mkefa which were leading to water outages as the pumps required power to operate.
“There was a power outage from June 15 and after I raised concern about the matter, power was restored on June 18. There was another outage on June 20. This is not an isolated incident as this has been happening since I can remember,” Xalisa said.
He said the situation showed the municipality had created a state of emergency and was forcing the community of Unathi Mkefa to relieve themselves in the bushes.
“We lose our electrical appliances with the outages, the food we work hard to buy and store in our refrigerators becomes rotten, and crime thrives.”
Xalisa said students who wanted to study at night suffered as there was no electricity.
“EMLM seems not to care and is rather indifferent about the difficulty felt by our people.”
Xalisa said there were more outages than power in the area.
“I cannot help but wonder what happens in the planning stages in those municipal offices, who plans what and how they plan it.”
It would be difficult to attract investors from out of town when basic services such as water and electricity could not be provided.
He said the “sheer incompetence of the people put in power” was proving to be a challenge.
“We will not leave our town because of your lack of planning and your incapacity. The community must stand up against this and demand answers.”
EMLM communications manager Fundile Feketshane had not responded to questions e-mailed to him on Tuesday at the time of going to print.