Families residing in Endlovini informal settlement in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, are facing uncertainty as Eskom has announced the withdrawal of its services from the area. The decision came after a security vehicle accompanying Eskom’s workers was hijacked, prompting concerns for the safety of staff and contractors.
Eskom’s workers were in Endlovini to address various electricity faults when the security vehicle was targeted in the recent incident. This was the second attack on Eskom’s teams in the settlement within a two-week period, leading to the suspension of all services in the area.
Endlovini ward councillor Lonwaba Mqina expressed disappointment over the temporary suspension of services, highlighting the backlog of electricity issues that need to be resolved in the settlement. Mqina also mentioned a previous incident where a City of Cape Town vehicle was hijacked in the area earlier this year.
Endlovini, one of the oldest informal settlements in Khayelitsha, continues to face challenges, including a lack of street lights and rampant crime. Some households have been waiting for almost a year for Eskom to address their electricity faults, exacerbating the living conditions in the settlement.
Mqina emphasized the importance of improved lighting and increased police patrols to enhance safety in the settlement. He recalled past promises to install high-mast lights and improve access roads following previous incidents of violence in Endlovini.
Eskom assured that it is collaborating with law enforcement to address the security incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable. However, provincial police spokesperson Wesley Twigg stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) did not have a record of the recent hijacking incident.
The challenges faced by Endlovini residents underscore the urgent need for improved security measures and infrastructure development in informal settlements. The safety and well-being of residents should be prioritized to create a more conducive living environment for all.
This article was originally published by GroundUp.
