Power cuts worry Shoshong residents
13 Jan 2019
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) official, Mr Galetisiwe Otukile, has told residents of Shoshong that vandalism of the corporation’s sub-stations leads to constant power cuts in the village.
Speaking during a kgotla meeting addressed by Shoshong MP, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele recently, Mr Galetisiwe Otukile said the corporation was equally concerned by the continuous power interruption in the village.
That was after Mr Makgalemele decried that power shortage was a serious concern for Shoshong residents and other villages in his constituency.
The MP further observed that power supply was not reliable due to continuous power cuts which could last for days. .
However, Mr Otukile who admitted to these challenges said the disturbing situation was not by design since the power supply authority was also doing all in its power to normalise the state of affairs.
He said the power supply infrastructure was also worn out and therefore required constant maintenance.
“We are currently engaged in replacing worn out poles along our power lines,” he said.
Despite being old and requiring constant maintenance, Mr Otukile said BPC power supply network was also affected by vandalism and theft.
He said vandalism and theft of earth wires was a common cause of concern adding that these criminal acts did not only affect power lines because power equipment at homes and offices were also affected.
Mr Otukile therefore said the sub district office was awarded P600 000 for maintenance works.
Another issue of concern was that Shoshong and its periphery was getting power supply through a single line from Mahalapye.
“We do not have an alternate feeder and therefore Shoshong would be out of power every time the Mahalapye power line experienced some challenge of either vandalism or maintenance works, he said.
Meanwhile, Kgosi Kgotayame Mphoyakgosi of Tobela said a project meant to electrify his kgotla offices and shelter was complete.
He said the project was funded through constituency funding at an amount of P325 000.
Kgosi Mphoyakgosi said even though the power supply network was yet to be extended to other parts of the village, some residents had already applied to be connected.
Despite connecting the village to the power grid, Kgosi Mphoyakgosi was optimistic that the anticipated solar power generating project would go on as planned.
He said the solar power plant would not only uplift the phase of the village but would also create employment opportunities for the residents. For is part, Mr Makgalemele said Tobela would be connected with electricity in the coming financial year.
Also he said the project of solar power plant would also continue as planned. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Moshe Galeragwe
Location : SHOSHONG
Event : Kgotla Meeting
Date : 13 Jan 2019
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