200 RDP homes in Eastern Cape still waiting for Eskom connection

New RDP homes in Northern Node Farm, Kei Road, Eastern Cape, have been without electricity for over six months since being handed over to beneficiaries. The homes, completed in April, were built for people evicted from nearby farms, as reported by GroundUp.

Frustration Grows Among Beneficiaries

The excitement of owning quality RDP houses has turned into frustration. Residents say their lives are difficult without electrification. They cannot store perishable food, cook efficiently, or feel safe due to the lack of streetlights.

Kei Road community liaison officer Vuyisa Delekile explained the delays. “Eskom initially promised electrification in May. Later, they shifted to September. But to this day, no work has begun,” he said.

Residents are growing impatient. Without electricity, they face safety risks and struggle to complete basic daily tasks.

Residents Share Their Struggles

Sydney Hiltane, a resident who has never lived in an electrified home, had hoped for change. “The houses are good quality, but we need electricity urgently. The government must intervene,” he said.

Another resident, Cleopatra Wotshela, shared her frustration. “We cook with firewood and paraffin. Our children cannot do their homework, iron their uniforms, or watch educational programs on TV,” she said.

Learners Face Additional Challenges

Grade 11 learner Lisakhanya Jakavu described her struggles. She wakes up early to prepare firewood for cooking. To straighten her uniform, she places it under her mattress. These challenges affect her schoolwork and morale.

Municipality Awaits Eskom’s Action

The Amahlathi Municipality spokesperson, Nkosinathi Mbende, confirmed the electrification delays. “Northern Node Farm is in Eskom’s three-year plan, as outlined in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). We cannot say when it will happen. Only Eskom has that information,” he said.

Free Basic Electricity Initiative Faces Challenges

The delay in electrification at Northern Node Farm coincides with broader national challenges in implementing Free Basic Electricity (FBE) in 2024. Approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), the program aims to provide financial relief by offering free electricity units to qualifying households.

However, two months into the initiative, only 2 million of the more than 10 million eligible households have successfully applied for the program, as reported by TimesLive.

Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa acknowledged the low uptake and attributed it to municipal challenges. “Municipalities are receiving grants for Free Basic Electricity in 2024, but we must resolve the bottlenecks to protect the poor,” he said.

The initiative is critical as electricity costs have risen nearly 400% over the past decade. Efforts to address municipal debt to Eskom, currently at R78 billion, and unpaid municipal bills of R349 billion, are also underway to ensure the program’s success.

Eskom Plans Meeting to Finalize Timeline

Eskom spokesperson Zama Mpondwana announced an upcoming meeting with the municipality. Scheduled for 20 November, the meeting aims to finalize the electrification plan for 2025/26. “We will discuss the prioritization of villages and derive a clear electrification plan,” Mpondwana said.

Residents Demand Urgent Solutions

While the houses provide shelter, the lack of electricity prevents residents from fully enjoying their new RDP homes. The community hopes the government and Eskom will prioritize their needs and speed up electrification.

The residents of Northern Node Farm continue to wait, hoping that the promises made will soon become reality.