The lives of more than 3 000 residents of the six villages in the Tshimbupfe area will change for the better. This comes after the mayor of Makhado Municipality, Cllr Mavhungu Luruli, officially switched on the electricity in the area last Wednesday. Collecting wood for domestic use by residents in Mianzwi, Mavhulana, Schielfarm, Tshilindi, Gabeni and Thondoni villages is now hopefully a thing of the past.

There was joy when residents waited to see lights that night for the first time in their homes. Many residents were still thinking that they would be left out for the 2010 World Cup soccer event as they did not have electricity to watch the big tournament from their homes.

"We are happy now that we are able to watch the World Cup tournament from our TVs at home. Connecting electricity to the area has brought happiness to every resident. We are very happy that we won´t miss the opportunity of a lifetime," said one of the beneficiaries and a soccer fanatic, Mr Tshifhiwa Mudau.

According to Mudau, residents used to collect wood to make fire, so that they could cook. "We also used candles as a means of light at night, which poses risks to the residents. We now appreciate the efforts shown by the Makhado Municipality to bring light to our villages," he said.

The project, which started in 2008, provides electricity to 1 205 households. Speaking during the event, the mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Mavhungu Luruli, said her municipality would continue to provide basic services to the people. "We are committed to providing service delivery to all the residents of the Makhado Municipality," she said.

Luruli urged the residents to register for the free basic electricity under the Makhado Municipality´s indigent project. She warned the residents about the illegal connection of electricity. "We appreciate the cooperation shown by the residents during the electrification process. We will continue to plan for other services," said Luruli.

The project, according to Luruli, cost the municipality R8,5 million. The chief of the Tshimbupfe area, Khosi-Vho Constance Netshimbupfe, said the project had brought life to the people.