Challenges hindering power supply in Ekurhuleni to be addressed
City officials visited the Boksburg, Germiston and Alberton electricity depots.
Kwatsaduza – With many communities in the CoE left in the dark, the problem seems deeper than what meets the eye.
This was revealed at the site inspection of the three electricity depots by the chief whip of council, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, accompanied by other officials on Friday. The team visited the Boksburg, Germiston and Alberton electricity depots.
The visit was because of the metro’s energy challenges, such as being non-responsive to electricity outages, as reported by ward councillors, residents, businesses, and many community-based formations of Ekurhuleni.
Since the beginning of winter, various communities were plunged into darkness, including Kwa-Thema, after the Kwa-Thema main substation burnt down in May.
Power was still not fully restored in the area and could only be restored once the transformer was returned after being repaired.
Residents also complained about late or no responses from the energy department to reported power outages outside of load-shedding.
During the visits, the officials engaged energy specialists, engineers, electricians and managers on energy supply-related matters, budgeting and human capital.
The employees complained about understaffing hindering service delivery, stores with no spares, no toolboxes for electricians, and no new Personal Protective Equipment for the last three years.
They were always at risk of being attacked by angry protestors or community members because of uncontrollable power failures in their neighbourhoods, especially during late-night callouts.
As a result, electricians no longer do late-night calls because they fear being attacked as had happened in the past.
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Phones were without data for almost a year, making it hard to close calls and capture data. The fleet (trucks, vans, and other vehicles) took longer to be repaired and maintained.
The appointed contractors meant to assist as and when needed now do more than workers, even menial work that electricians do in-house.
Dlabathi said challenges registered by the affected depot would be reported with an aim to effect change through council meetings.
“The immediate resolvable challenges that affect energy supply to our residents and businesses that don’t need council resolve will be attended to with necessary speed,” he said.
