Bokone Bophirima province is making great strides to ensure that all its communities have got access to electricity so that they can lead decent lives.
During the 2018 State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, Premier Supra Mahumapelo said the province’s electrification had improved to 86% and stood at a backlog of only 14%.
“In the 2013/14 financial year, the electrification backlog in the province was estimated at 127 000 households. Today we are happy to report that this backlog has been reduced to only 35 000, thereby improving Bokone Bophirima’s electrification coverage to 86%. This means the backlog is1 only 14%,” he said.
The living conditions of community members in Ottoshoop near Zeerust are being improved by a project that is going to electrify 568 homes when completed. Some houses already have electricity.
Obusitswe Letsoalo, a resident of Ottoshoop, said life was difficult before the electrification project came into effect.
“In the past we would have to go into neighbouring farms to go and collect firewood, which put our lives in danger as the farmers would try to apprehend us for trespassing on their properties. The farmers own dangerous animals like lions, so going into these farms was a huge risk because we were often accused of destroying their fences.
“Another risk of life without electricity is that we had to use paraffin and candles, which resulted in many deaths related to shack fires due to negligence. Through this project, we are relieved because our children can be raised in a safe environment,” said Letsoalo.

Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za