Pylons have purpose, says CoM
MBOMBELA - The massive electricity pylons that have been popping up along the R40 between the city and White River overnight have not only raised many questions, but a few eyebrows too.
While many residents feel they have not been informed of the installation, the City of Mbombela’s (CoM) spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, maintains that proper procedures were adhered to beforehand.
Johann Truter, who travels on the R40, said big trees were removed from islands and road shoulders as they posed a danger to vehicles, but now these monstrosities had been erected within one metre from the road edge. He wanted an explanation.
‘The project forms part of Government’s undertaking to ensure all South African citizens have access to electricity’
Martinus Visagie said there was no proper consultation regarding the installation of the pylons and wanted to know why the municipality had upgraded the electricity to a community that is not paying for services, while in White River it is a constant battle to get CoM to replace the ageing infrastructure.
“They are just using the funds to enrich the tender people. They are neglecting those who are paying and decided to rather spend millions on a community using the services for free. The fact that these pylons are so close to a busy road will add to more fatalities. What happened to proper public participation so the community can add their comments?” he asked.
Ngala responded, “The project is funded by Department of Mineral Resource Energy and bears no financial implications to the municipality. It forms part of Government’s undertaking to ensure all citizens of South Africa have access to electricity. The project will benefit Msholozi, Rocky Drift and White River and put a stop to overloading. The total cost for the entire high-voltage 132kV line will amount to R17m,” he said.
Ngala also said public participation issues were undertaken by Ria Wilken, also responsible for the environmental impact assessment of the project. A notice was issued and published in Lowvelder on August 20.
“Rocky Drift was running at maximum capacity and therefore needed reloading. In Msholozi, we have already registered above 2 000 households and have embarked on an electrification programme to register the entire settlement. That is why the department is assisting the municipality to install the extra voltage,” Ngala explained.