I was inundated with calls from concerned residents, last week, about the power interruption of the previous weekend.
Electricity is so much part of our modern life that it is almost inconceivable how we can survive without it.
Ekurhuleni notified residents of planned power supply interruptions in large parts of Alberton.
The Ekuruleni energy department is under constant pressure from the political leadership in the city to improve maintenance and ensure the electricity network functions optimally.
This maintenance strategy is part of Ekurhuleni’s continuous efforts to strengthen the electricity network and to provide a stable and reliable power supply to its customers, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The maintenance work was carried out on May 14 and 15 May from 08:00 to 16:00. This means that the power supply was be interrupted for eight hours per day for both days, in the following Alberton areas during this time:
*all areas of Alrode, General Alberts Park and Meyersdal.
*parts of Randhart, Mayberry Park, Brackenhurst, and,
*parts of Tokoza (Mpilisweni, Basothong, Phenduka section and hostels)
Residents raised the concern why this had to be done over a weekend when people are at home and need to attend to household chores or just relax in front of the TV.
What few residents realise is that the largest consumers of electricity is the business community, in particular the industrialists in Alrode. Manufacturing has been part of Alberton for well over half a century and is credited with the growth and development of our local economy. The industries of Alrode are the largest employers in our local community and provide jobs for thousands of our people.
Maintenance required will be carried out to complete intrusive planned maintenance work at the Eiger substation Z1 in Alrode. If this work is done in the week it will adversely affect business and manufacturing and could lead to down time and loss of man hours and wages. Even though this is a huge inconvenience for residents it is the only time maintenance on the energy and electricity infrastructure can be done without affecting the local economy.
Ekurhuleni apologised to residents for any inconvenience caused. We need residents to know reliable and sustainable provision of electricity and energy is a priority for the metro and a mandate we execute responsibly and with utmost care. Let’s work together to build a better Ekurhuleni.
