A Phoenix family who have not had electricity for almost three decades and lived with a limited water supply for several years, was overjoyed after they had their electricity reconnected recently, following the intervention of Inkatha Freedom Party’s Jonathan Annipen.
The Pillay family from Caneside, Phoenix lived in darkness for 27 years until they reached out to Annipen when all other avenues failed. Jayaseelan Pillay explained: “We have been trying to have our services reconnected over the past 27 years and have not been successful. We approached numerous people for help and unfortunately no-one was able to assist us.” Pillay said that he noticed Annipen was assisting people in similar situations and decided to reach out to him for help. “We are grateful that we did. Over a period of two weeks, Annipen negotiated with the municipality, got the involvement of a social worker and completed the necessary documentation. Through his help we had a R21 000 debt written off and our services reconnected. Annipen has helped us tremendously and we are grateful to him for helping us in our plight,” added Pillay.
Annipen said that the Pillays visited him in great distress and in desperation. “Pillay has a wife who is bed-bound and without water and electricity it was difficult for the family to provide the care that she needs. I addressed the matter with the municipality. Officials intervened and we arranged a significant write-off and the result was that he and his family get to ‘experience the light’ after 27 years.” Annipen urged residents in similar situations or who require assistance of any kind to contact his office on 031 350 3285.
