KNYSNA NEWS - Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Tertuis Simmers has issued a response to protesters who shut down the N2 in Nekkies last night, refuting claims that he did not respond to Oupad residents demanding electrification of their area.
The protesting residents claimed Simmers had not responded to their demands within a promised 21-day timeframe from 14 August, but according to Simmers' spokesperson Marcellino Martin, the following response was issued from Simmer’office on 3 September.
“Pursuant to the matter, as discussed with the Minister at the engagement on 14 August, it was agreed with the group that this office will approach the Knysna Municipality to obtain a report on this matter. It is each municipality's responsibility to provide services to citizens within their area of jurisdiction. The Knysna Municipality responded in this regard, and provided the following feedback:
"1. The electrification of TRAs was never on the planning horizon of Knysna Municipality. They normally applied for funding for our electrification projects through the Department of Energy (DoE) which will consider or approve the application based on a development layout.
"2. The Municipality applied for the electrification of these areas; however, they are awaiting the outcome thereof as confirmation of the approval of funds had not been received.
The response from Simmers' also stated that it was ‘’important to emphasise to the group that the provision of electricity is the responsibility of Knysna Municipality, not the Department of Human Settlements”.
Protests continue to plague Nekkies, Knysna
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