New project brings electricity to 346 households

A total of 346 households celebrated the fruits of their hard labour during the official opening of the Sterkstroom Gondeni-Tshamavhudzi Electricity Project. The function took place at the Gondeni sports fields, east of Thohoyandou, on Saturday.

The electricity project was completed after joint cooperation between the villagers, the Thulamela Municipality, Eskom and local businesspeople.

When switching on the electricity for the first time at the area, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli said that everything was possible through cooperation and dedication. He said the villagers were tirelessly fighting for quite a long time to have electricity in their area. "Look now, your dream has unfolded because you did not sit and relax, but you have done your best to make sure that you get what you have been fighting for. I would also like to pass my gratitude to all the stakeholders who contributed to the development of this project. I want to acknowledge the role played by traditional leaders, community organizations and other stakeholders who made sure that we have lights here today."

Mphaphuli said the acquisition of electricity would help uplift the standard of life in the area. "I have witnessed many lives that were lost here when houses caught fire because of candles. Many women were raped when they went to the bush to fetch some firewood. Our children will now be able to study with ease because the electricity will provide them with light."

Mphaphuli added that the electricity would help in the economic development of the area. "People can now start small businesses because some will be able to buy and sell frozen products. Others will start business ventures like welding and this will automatically reduce poverty in this area."

One of the beneficiaries, Avhapfani Khangale (29), said: "Days of darkness will now be history because we have electricity. Life will now be easy and convenient. Thank you to all the people who made our dream a reality."

News - Date: 09 March 2007

Wilson Dzebu

Email: