Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-08-19

Residents of Lenasia, South of Johannesburg vented their anger and frustration after Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau failed to attend a meeting to address the electricity issue plaguing the suburb.

Tau had to attend another meeting in Cape Town and sent MMC for Infrastructure Matshidiso Mfikoe instead.

The meeting at the Protea Recreation Centre in Lenasia was chaired by Chief Whip Prema Nadioo with Councillor Zarina Motala and MEC for Roads and transport Ismail Vadi also in attendance.

Residents complained of illegal electricity connections, cable theft, recurring power outages and providing services to Thembelihle Informal settlements.

“We have identified cable theft, illegal connections as part of the problems, so together with the community well work at finding a workable solution including sorting out problems at the informal settlement,” MMC for Infrastructure Matshidiso Mfikoe told Radio Islam.

MEC for Roads & Transport Ismail Vadi said that all forms of illegal electricity connections  is wrong whether it is from business people in the Lenasia area or Thembelihle.

“Urgent steps should be taken now by City Power to begin to rectify the situation” said Vadi.

Vadi proposed that the infrastructure be upgraded, illegal connections terminated & a partnership formed with various community organisations to find a lasting solution to the electricity problems in the area.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)