By Theodorah waga Mawasha
PHEPENE VILLAGE-A village of Phepene block 7, in Pharare under Greater Tzaneen Municipality, has never seen or had running water. The village is still stuck in the dark many years after settling in the area.
According to residents who spoke anonymously, they have resorted to making contributions to buy electricity cables to electrify the village and this poses a great threat to their lives and their livestock.
Moreover, they are obliged to buy water from other communities which costs them an arm and a leg.
“We are struck gargling with water and electricity. We buy water which costs us a lot. A 2,500l tank of water costs us four hundred rands (R400). We pay for it. After all, water is life. With regards to electricity, we have opted to connect illegally because we are frustrated “, a resident said.
Winds of change are said to be moving at a snail’s pace in the village and engaging the local councillor has been a tedious exercise.
“We have been communicating with the municipality, but, we see no service delivery except for a few RDP houses that were built after a storm hit the area and the families were left destitute”, the residents added.
Ward 28 local councillor Goodman Nkhwashu said that he was in no position to comment, but, indicated that the community was briefed during an IDP meeting about projects that are in the pipeline.
He referred the publication to the municipality’s media liaison Neville Ndlala for comment. No correspondence has been forthcoming from the municipality.
