Phase two of a national electrification programme was recently completed in Enkanini, an informal settlement in Kayamandi.
This is according to Ayanda Tomose, ward 12 councillor for Stellenbosch Municipality, who has been in office for four months. Tomose stated that the municipality completed phase 2 of electrification a few weeks ago. “We are planning to continue electrifying the whole area [Enkanini] and other areas within the ward,” said Tomose.
Yet, residents within this community feel frustrated as large parts of Enkanini remain without electricity.
Residents of Enkanini, an informal settlement in Kayamandi that has existed for 15 years, are frustrated by what they find is a slow roll-out of connectivity to electricity by Stellenbosch Municipality. PHOTO: Asive Mabula
The municipality’s plan
Providing electricity to all residents is an ongoing task which is done through the department of minerals and energy’s Integrated National Electrification Programme. This is according to Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson, Stuart Grobbelaar.
“The Integrated National Electrification Programme contributed R12 million towards the project, while an additional R5.2 million was provided by the municipality,” stated Grobbelaar. “Connecting any structure that is erected to the municipal electricity grid is simply not a realistic or feasible option.”
Residents ask for service delivery
According to residents, Enkanini has existed for about 15 years, but the majority of the area remains without electricity.
“We don’t have electricity in Enkanini and that is a struggle, because a lot of things require electricity,” said shop owner and Enkanini resident, Nomvuzo Vapi.
“We have been living here for 15 years, and even when we do ask for electricity, it is a long process. We would be really happy if we got electricity,” claimed Vapi.
Enkanini spaza shop owner Nomvuzo Vapi stated that running a business and living without electricity for the past 15 years has been very difficult. PHOTO: Asive Mabula
Since March 2021, 1 000 households in Enkanini have been given access to electricity for the first time, stated Grobbelaar through email correspondence with MatieMedia.
A way forward
Tomose stated that “part of [his] priorities as new councillor is to better the infrastructure in the area [Enkanini] and other areas in the ward”. He said that infrastructure remains a major crisis in the area. “We are now assessing what could be challenges, as we are approaching winter, through our Disaster Management Unit.”
Tomose has indicated that engagements with community members are ongoing.
Due to the long process that must be followed in order for electricity to be installed legally in Enkanini, some residents have resorted to “izinyoka”, an illegal connection of electricity. PHOTO: Asive Mabula