Page 5 - THML ONLINE NEWSLETTER JAN-MAR
P. 5

-  PILLAR TW O  -
                                           ELECTRICITY


                                           Providing reliable and sustainable electricity


                                           approach is equally important. As such, the   and improving reliability, the Municipality is
                                           maintenance of electrical infrastructure is now   creating an enabling environment for economic
                                           carried out on a more regular, structured, and   activity, job creation, and community upliftment.
                                           systematic basis.

                                           This ensures that potential faults are identified
                                           and resolved before they escalate into major
                                           service disruptions. Although the condition and
                                           performance of infrastructure may vary over
                                           time due to factors such as aging equipment,
                                           environmental conditions, and usage levels,
                                           consistent maintenance interventions significantly
                                           improve reliability and extend the lifespan of
                                           municipal assets.
                                           Common defects identified during routine
                                           inspections and maintenance work include loose
                                           electrical connections, burnt-out globes and
                                           fittings, damaged cables, and defective   Schools, healthcare facilities, and other critical
                                           components within lighting systems and electrical
                                           panels. If left unattended, these issues can lead   institutions also benefit from consistent electricity
                                                                                supply, which supports better service delivery
                                           to outages, safety hazards, and increased
                                           repair costs.                        across sectors.
                                                                                Executive Mayor, Cllr Lesetja Dikgale,
                                           Through its ongoing maintenance programme,   highlighted the significance of these efforts:
                                           the Municipality is able to mitigate these risks,
                                           ensuring that infrastructure remains safe,
                                           functional, and efficient.                         ❝
         hembisile Hani Local Municipality continues  A key strength in the Municipality’s approach is
       Tto place a strong emphasis on the provision  its reliance on internal technical expertise for the   The reliability of our electrical infrastructure is
       of reliable and sustainable electricity services,  implementation of maintenance and repair   fundamental to the dignity, safety, and
       reaffirming its commitment to improving the   projects.                     economic progress of our communities.
       quality of life for all residents.                                          As a Municipality, we are committed to
                                           Skilled municipal personnel are responsible for
       Access to consistent and well-maintained   carrying out a wide scope of work, including   strengthening maintenance programmes and
       electrical infrastructure remains a cornerstone of  high mast light maintenance, streetlight repairs,   ensuring that our residents experience
       service delivery, enabling safer communities,   electrical maintenance in municipal buildings   consistent and improved service delivery.
       functional public facilities, and a conducive   and facilities, as well as the upkeep of pumps   Keeping the lights on is not just a technical
       environment for economic growth. In this regard,  and borehole systems.   function, it is a responsibility that speaks to
       the Municipality is doing everything within its   This internal capacity not only improves
       capacity to ensure that it keeps the lights on   turnaround times when responding to faults but   our broader vision of building a responsive,
       across all wards.                                                        caring, and development-focused Municipality.
                                           also enhances institutional knowledge and   We want our communities to feel the impact of
       During the third quarter of the financial year,   ensures cost-effective service delivery.  our work in their daily lives.
       the Municipality recorded a significant number   The importance of maintaining electrical
       of service requests and fault reports from   infrastructure cannot be overstated. Properly   The Municipality also continues to encourage
       community members relating to electricity   functioning streetlights and high mast lights play  community members to play an active role in
       challenges.
                                           a vital role in enhancing public safety by   safeguarding electrical infrastructure by
       These reports covered a wide range of issues,   improving visibility in residential areas, roads,   reporting faults, illegal connections, and acts of
       including malfunctioning high mast lights, faulty   and public spaces, thereby reducing the risk of   vandalism. Community cooperation is essential in
       streetlights, and lighting problems within   accidents and deterring criminal activity.  ensuring that infrastructure is protected and that
       municipal facilities such as community halls, and    In addition, reliable electricity within municipal   service delivery efforts yield long-term benefits
       boreholes.                                                               for all residents.
                                           facilities ensures that essential services such as
        Each reported case was logged, assessed, and  water provision through boreholes, community   Through these ongoing efforts, the Municipality
       attended to by the Municipality’s technical   programmes in halls, and administrative   is not only addressing current challenges but
       teams, demonstrating a strong commitment to   functions can continue without interruption.  also building a resilient electrical network that
       responsiveness and accountability in service   Furthermore, dependable electrical infrastruc-  will serve future generations.
       delivery.
                                           ture is a key driver of local economic develop-  Keeping the lights on is more than a goal. it is a
       The Municipality recognises that while address-  ment. Small businesses, informal traders, and   continuous commitment to progress, safety, and
       ing reported faults is critical, adopting a   larger enterprises all rely on stable electricity to  development for every community within
       proactive and preventative maintenance   operate efficiently. By investing in maintenance   Thembisile Hani.
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