LOUIS TRICHARDT – The Makhado Municipal Council is speeding up its electrification program.

Tenders for the connection of hundreds of houses in several villages within the vast area of the municipality were allocated during this week’s monthly council meeting.

Approved electrification projects include the villages of Mufeba, Thenga, Hanani, Ntshuxi, Rivierplaats, Tshirululuni, Ha-Mabidi and Balanganani.

Technical hitches with the appointment of contractors for some of the connecting tenders will be ironed out as a matter of urgency during a special meeting on Monday.

Councillors urged the Executive Committee to do whatever is necessary to expedite the connection of electricity in the various communities.

Cllr M E Musitha said Council is lacking behind the official pledge to supply free basic electricity and water as promised before the elections to all voters.

He said honouring this pledge must be the very first priority of Council.

“People are dying with paraffin related accidents and severe deprivation is caused by the need to regularly collect firewood in the veld. The supply of electricity to the people is a matter of extreme urgency and may not be delayed,” he said.