A time to take action
attle-weary. That is how many Komani residents are probably feeling by today. Extended power outages, which have been preceded by lengthy power cuts earlier in the year, have hit businesses already struggling to remain viable, while private households struggling with the cost of living have had to absorb the extra costs.
So what now? The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has promised that the power in Westbourne, Madeira Park and Kings Park will be on again on Friday after the electricity was restored in Prince Alfred, Grey and Ebden streets on Tuesday night. Once the lights are back on, residents are expected to continue with their daily lives.
The reality is, however, that it can not be business as usual.
This is not a once-off and, while indications more than 15 years ago were that the municipality was in dire need of work on its electrical supply, a revamp now would cost an estimated R200m, according to executive mayor Sisisi Tolashe.
Who will help bail out EMLM, which inherited a bad situation due to the amalgamation? Of
Bcourse, the electricity is but one of the infrastructure challenges that have to be dealt with and more money will be needed for that.
The more a town deteriorates, the more crime sets in and the easier it is to call it quits and move out. Businesses – particularly national retail stores – may well consider if a dirty, dark Komani is worth the hassle in the future. The result would be disastrous.
Good news is that some administrative measures are being taken, including the introduction of national assistance (see our front page story).
From now on, all efforts will have to be geared towards establishing the entire area into a settlement of choice.
A place where services are not in doubt on a daily basis and a place where people work together to effect change and to bring about development. A place of accountability, where there is an insistence on delivery.
This is a town – and by extension an area – of great potential. It can be harnessed to achieve success.