DA forces energy MMC to account for missing Kwa-Thema transformer
Residents have been experiencing erratic power outages since the May 2023 fire and have not been receiving adequate communication and feedback from the Energy Department around these outages.
Kwa-Thema – The DA sent a letter to the office of MMC Leshaka Manamela asking for a meeting with the residents of Kwa-Thema to discuss.
Residents have experienced erratic power outages since the May fire and have not received adequate communication or feedback from the energy department about these outages.
During the ordinary council meeting on July 27, Precious Jacobs, the DA PR councillor for Kwa-Thema, posed a question to the EFF MMC for energy.
Jacobs demanded answers about the whereabouts of the new transformer promised to the community of Kwa-Thema after the Nakabinde substation fire in May.
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When the MMC was asked if there was a plan to rebuild/repair the substation and when (give expected date) residents could expect delivery of the transformer as promised by the city, he stated, “The department submitted an insurance claim for the rebuilding works of the Nkabinde substation. Once the assessments are complete and the outcome received, timelines will be provided.”
Perplexed by his vagueness and lack of urgency, Jacobs asked the MMC to commit to meeting with residents in the next week to give feedback on the issue.
“The inadequate and careless response to the oral question has created suspicions that the MMC is again trying to avoid answering questions on the controversial issues that have outraged Kwa-Thema residents during his term in office.
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“He has seemingly gone silent on the issue while the electricity problem in the ward worsens daily,” added Jacobs.
The PR councillor added that the lack of updates had increased frustration among residents to the extent that protests have flared up in the area, leaving destruction in their wake.
“With another suspected protest on the horizon, it is pertinent that the MMC fulfils his constitutional mandate by meeting with residents and providing feedback on the electricity issue instead of avoiding it.
“The residents of Kwa-Thema deserve an answer,” added Jacobs.
