Berea, June 11 — A dispute over the location of an electricity pole has delayed the commissioning of a free electrification project in Khokhoba, leaving residents waiting for access to electricity while stakeholders seek a resolution.
Mr Tseliso Libe, owner of a shack situated near one of the electricity poles, said the land in question belongs to his father.
He argued that the family should have been consulted before the pole was erected and that a consent agreement should have been signed between the family and the contractor.
According to Mr Libe, the area initially identified for the project was not the same as the current location of the pole. He further stated that a meeting involving all stakeholders should be held to discuss the matter and determine whether compensation should be provided to his family for the portion of land now being used for the project.
“We put the shack there so that it could also access electricity when the project is completed,” said Libe.
However, Ha Lebese Councillor Ntabejane Sekete said the dispute is preventing the electrification project from benefiting the entire Khokhoba community.
“All Khokhoba residents will not be able to access electricity because the contractor has indicated that, due to the position of the shack, they cannot allow electricity to be connected,” said Sekete.
He explained that a demarcation process was conducted before the project commenced, covering the area from Ha Makhoroana to Mapheleng.
He alleged that Mr Libe was aware of the planned location of the pole before construction began.
According to the councillor, the shack was erected after the pole had already been installed, creating an obstacle that has delayed the completion of the project and affected all residents awaiting electricity, including Mr Libe himself.
Mr Sekete said stakeholders meet on the 17th of every month and confirmed that all parties involved will meet on the 17th to discuss the matter and find a way forward.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine whether the project can proceed and when Khokhoba residents will finally gain access to electricity.
Ends/MK
