MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A tragic death in KwaNonqaba has once again highlighted the dangers of illegal and exposed electricity connections within informal settlements.
The two-year-old Incenceba Konzani died earlier this month from being electrocuted by a live wire while playing in the Marikana informal settlement.
When Mossel Bay Advertiser visited the area on Wednesday 15 April, multiple illegal and hazardous electricity connections were visible, including the wire that caused the child's death.
The residents say illegal electricity connections remain widespread in KwaNonqaba, driven by poverty and the high cost of living.
Meanwhile, households across South Africa are preparing for higher electricity costs in the coming months. According to a cost of living report by the Competition Commission of South Africa released on 1 April, Eskom's direct customers will see an 8.76% increase in fixed electricity costs, while municipal customers can expect an increase of about 9.01% from 1 July.
Although Eskom provides free basic electricity to qualifying low-income households, allocation levels vary between municipalities.
The Mossel Bay Municipality said it is aware of the ongoing problem of illegal electricity connections and continues to act decisively against illegal electricity connections.
Because the municipality is responsible for maintaining electrical infrastructure in its ownership, the problem of illegal connections is addressed through coordinated efforts involving municipal electrical services, law enforcement, local police stations, and at times the Public Order Policing Unit.
Through the national government's Integrated National Electrification Programme grant, the municipality is able to supply low-income house-holds and communities with electricity.
"On average, 500 to 600 new service connections are annually installed under the electrification programme," said the municipality.
KwaNonqaba Police's spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, confirmed that the child was declared dead on the scene. An inquest has been opened and investigations are ongoing.
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