Delays Plague Zithobeni Heights Electrification Project

Residents of Zithobeni Heights, who have endured years without access to electricity, face further delays after a project aimed at electrifying at least 2 000 homes has stalled for over three years.

In 2022, residents took to the streets to protest the severe lack of basic services, including electricity and water.

Their frustration was expressed after being relocated from Transnet-owned land and severely waterlogged informal settlements, only to be forced to wait for basic services for years.

Ward 105 local councillor Kgaugelo Phiri said the electrification project is being implemented in phases.

The first phase, which aimed to electrify 500 homes, was initially scheduled for completion last year but missed its deadline. The second phase, set to connect 1 500 houses to the grid, is also pending.