Giving power to Delmas community

Canyon Coal has supplied nine homes accommodating 25 families next to its Phalanndwa Colliery in Delmas with electricity. The R200 000 project, which equipped each house with a 20Amp supply line, is part of the company’s commitment to contribute to improving the lives of the communities surrounding its operations.

William Mabena, whose family has lived in a simple structure next to the mine since 1977, said they were grateful to be connected to the mine’s electricity grid as it makes life simpler. “I feel better. We are going to get a fridge, washing machine, television, everything.” Putting his hand on his heart, he added: “We are happy because the mine understands us.”

Phalanndwa general manager Alan Mabbet said the project clearly had a tremendous impact on the lives of the people living next door to the mine and goes a long way to build a good relationship with the Delmas community and local forums. Canyon group executive chairman Vuslat Bayoglu commented: “Wherever we run operations, we take the aspirations of communities into account. That’s one of the ways in which we contribute to transformation.”