By Sama Jobe
Picture by Sama Jobe
After so many years Mayville residents fighting for houses, they changed the struggle and fight for electricity after many people within the area lost their lives due to illegal electricity connections. Years back, they were fighting for RDP houses because their houses were always on fire due to illegal electricity connections. Mr Mkhize, the ward committee said they are no longer want houses if the process is taking long they want electricity for their children to be safe.
“We have homes back where we come from, we actually do not care about RDP houses that much. We want electricity now, our children are not safe,” Mkhize said. Nomzamo Maquadi, who is a mother of three said she is worried about the safety of her children following the incidents that has happened in front of her. One of these incidents include the death of her 3 year old niece who was playing outside with other children while there was a lying electricity uncovered cable. “She touched the cable with fire and was uncovered, she died on the scene,” Maquadi said.
Mayville is in ward 101 under the leadership of Mzi Ngiba, the ANC councillor. He briefly responded and said it is not in their power to provide the community with RDP houses or electricity but they are trying their best to talk with relevant departments. Durban Municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela did not respond to the email that was sent to him.
Ndumiso Ngema, who is an educator at Mayville Primary school said the way their learners die is alarming. He added that at least 10 or more learners died last year due to illegal electricity connections in the area, “We have not received any bad news this year and we are happy. Looking at the time of the year, we are 7 months away. We urge parents to look after their children and keep them safe,” Ngema concluded.
