Residents of Dumsi village in Bizana gathered on Wednesday to witness a major milestone as Councillor, Mayor TD Mafumbatha officially handed over a long-awaited electricity installation project to contractor LT Ntloko, marking the start of power infrastructure for 150 homes and one school.
“I am here to hand over the project to the contractor so that they may begin the electricity project, which will start on 24 June 2025 and conclude by 24 August 2025,” Mafumbatha declared.
The project, set to last two months, includes the establishment of a Project Steering Committee (PSC) made up of four local representatives. In addition, the community will select seven workers, a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), one security guard, and four general community members to support the implementation.
Eskom: Safety First
Mr J. Jakavula from Eskom addressed the community, urging residents to assist the contractor by identifying whether any timber pole placements have unintentionally landed near gravesites.
“Children and livestock must be kept away from work zones. We also request that individuals involved be free from substance use, including cannabis. All participants will undergo drug testing before work begins,” Jakavula said.
Community Questions and Appreciation
Residents raised questions about previously bypassed homes, but Mafumbatha clarified that this contract only covers new, unconnected households. Any meter box faults or issues should be reported directly to Eskom.
A local Dumsi resident expressed heartfelt appreciation:
“Councillor Mafumbatha promised us this project, and today he has fulfilled it. We thank him for his honesty and commitment.”
The Dumsi electrification project is part of broader rural infrastructure development efforts in the Alfred Nzo District, with a strong emphasis on community participation, transparency, and local empowerment.
