An investigation into the challenges facing Thulamela Local Municipality with regard to the supply of electricity

Abstract

This research was initiated and undertaken in 2011 as an attempt to address the problem of electricity in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, and RSA. The aim of this research was to investigate the challenges facing Thulamela municipality with regard to the provision of electricity.

An in-depth study of literature dealing with research methodology was undertaken. This was meant to determine suitable research methods for this study. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The findings from the empirical research (interviews, interviews schedule, questionnaires and focus group interviews) were fully substantiated by the literature review.

In view of the findings of the research, it became clear that there are challenges of electricity provision in Thulamela Municipality. In view of the above it recommended that the Thulamela Municipality must improve the management and provision of electricity and for that matter the municipality officers must ensure that electricity vending machines are at all times functional. In order to speed up the entire process of the maintenance of the machines they may be contracted to service providers whose service level agreement will determine their ability and continued contract. The shortage of electrical power points and their accessibility must be addressed through the acquisition of more machines and further ensure that they are located within a walking distance. The damage that is caused to electrical appliances owing to electricity cuts must be prevented to avoid losses to the community.

The environmental management issues raised need to be taken into consideration. Infrastructure provisioning, management and maintenance need serious attention. The control and regulation of the electricity distribution system in the Thulamela Municipality need to must be improved. Through this research, the existing resources necessary for the development of the community shall be unlocked in order to improve the quality of life, especially for the most poor and marginalized section of the community.