Lichtenburg, North West – A prolonged electricity outage in Itsoseng township, outside Lichtenburg, has left residents battling the winter chill without power, with some households enduring blackouts for over two months.
Frustrated locals say they have been forced to find alternative ways to cook, boil water, and keep warm, severely disrupting daily life. Many rely on firewood to prepare meals and heat bathing water, while children struggle to get ready for school in the dark.
Elderly Residents Hardest Hit
A 70-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, shared her ordeal with Forum Africa, revealing that the lack of electricity has made life unbearable.
“It has affected us badly. It is too dark, and I have to start a fire just to cook,” she said. “I’ve reported the issue to Eskom many times—even went to them while they were fixing a pole—but still, no power.”
The elderly resident, who requires medication, also struggles to maintain basic hygiene without warm water. Nights are particularly difficult, with darkness making movement hazardous.
Eskom Under Fire
Residents accuse Eskom of failing to address the recurring outages, leaving them without reliable electricity for extended periods. While some areas experience intermittent power, others have been completely cut off since May.
Community leaders are demanding urgent intervention, warning that the situation could worsen as temperatures continue to drop.
Call for Action
Local authorities have yet to provide a timeline for restoration, leaving Itsoseng residents in limbo. As frustration grows, calls for accountability and swift repairs intensify.
