Frustrated residents of Zibonele informal settlement have accused the Buffalo City Metro Municipality of failing to provide electricity, forcing them to rely on dangerous illegal connections for power.
For over a decade, the community has lived without formal electricity, despite promises from authorities. Residents admit to illegally tapping into the grid for years, but blame the municipality for neglecting their needs. Recently, the metro disconnected a nearby substation, sparking outrage.
“We Are Being Neglected”
One resident expressed frustration, saying, “We have toilets and water, but no electricity. Before elections, politicians come here campaigning, but now the government ignores us.”
Without power, families resort to paraffin, wood fires, and candles for cooking and lighting—posing safety risks. A diabetic resident shared their struggle: “I need insulin refrigerated, but now I must travel daily to the hospital for injections. I can’t afford this.”
Illegal Connections Cost Metro Millions
Buffalo City Metro acknowledges rampant illegal connections in informal settlements, which damage infrastructure and cost millions annually. However, officials say electrifying some areas is impossible due to flooding risks.
“People build in low-lying areas where electricity isn’t legally permitted,” a metro representative explained. “We’re identifying safer land parcels to install services before relocating residents.”
The municipality also warned homeowners against allowing illegal connections through their properties, emphasizing the dangers and financial losses.
“All We Want Is Electricity”
Residents insist they need immediate solutions. “We’ve waited years for houses. When it rains, our shacks flood. For now, we just want electricity,” one said.
As tensions rise, the community’s plea highlights the broader struggle of informal settlements battling for basic services while authorities grapple with infrastructural and legal challenges.
