The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Dawid Kruiper Municipality to stop dragging its feet and urgently restore electricity to homes in Dakota and other areas of Upington, that have been without power due to cable theft, since the time of the Covid-pandemic.
This comes after a devastating fire in Eerste Street claimed the lives of a 19-year-old woman and a one-year-old baby, while a three-year-old child narrowly escaped. Like many families in the area, the household had been forced to rely on candles because their electricity had still not been restored.
This is the reality that residents in Dakota have been living with for far too long because the municipality has failed to deal with the aftermath of the cable theft.
While the cause of the fire will be determined by the relevant authorities, this tragedy is a painful reminder of what can happen when communities are left without basic services. Had electricity been restored sooner, this heartbreaking loss may have been avoided.
The DA is calling on the Municipal Manager, Elias Ntoba, to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. There are still many households whose electricity has not been restored, and every day that passes places more families at risk.
The DA is assisting the family affected by last Thursday’s devastating fire and extends our heartfelt condolences to the family for their loss. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly painful time.