GO LIVE IN SHACKS

RESIDENTS who cannot afford to stay in the communal rental units at the Lerato Park Housing Development in Kimberley due to non-payment have reportedly been advised to move into shacks.

- SANDI KWON HOO

The EFF was the only party to reject the 9.6% electricity tariff increase, as well as a basic and capacity charge set to come into effect on July 1, when the Sol Plaatje Municipality's budget for the 2025/26 financial year was approved last week.

EFF councillor Pontsho Mocwana argued that the electricity hike was unaffordable, given rising poverty levels.

The Kimberley Action Group has meanwhile indicated that a shutdown in protest against the high cost of electricity is back on the agenda, with a community meeting scheduled for Sunday.

A group of Lerato Park residents was recently made to wait fiveand-a-half hours before municipal officials met with them, after their electricity supply was interrupted due to outstanding rental payments.

"It is horrifying to expect us to move out of civilisation and into primitive zinc shanties without formal ablution facilities, sanitation, or electricity and water," said the tenants.