ALBERTON – Bruna Haipel said, “The level of evasion from officials to questions asked by coucillors is absolutely uncanny.”
The questions asked by EMC and response from Electrical Department are as follows:
Who is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of street lights in Alberton?
Johan Dreyer, the Chief Area Engineer, duly assisted and supported by Dalen Schroeder, engineer of the Energy Department, are responsible for the repairs and maintenance of street lights in Alberton.
How are areas with faulty street lights identified and if it is by a contractor, who is the contract by?
Faulty street lights are primarily identified through scouting, direct calls received from members of the public and complaints forwarded by the call centre.
How much is the contractor paid monthly, is he/she paid per number of street lights attended to?
The contractor is remunerated in accordance with the pricing schedule as contained in the approved tender document?
Does the contract have a penalty clause? If so, is this implemented and have any penalties been charged in the last six months? If so, how much?
The department ensures that the interests of Council are protected at all times.
Who is supposed to supervise the contractor and has this been done and has the contractor performed?
The department ensures that the interests of Council are protected at all times.
If the repairs are done in-house, who is responsible for their performance to see that the job is done?
The majority of repairs are done in-house and the Chief Area Engineer, Support Engineer and Senior Operations Officer are responsible for the effective execution of the said function.
How many electricians are in the team?
There are three teams, each with an electrician.
If they do not perform, who is responsible for their performance and what is done about it?
The department ensures that the interests of Council are protected at all times.
What are the people who come to report a problem about the street lights, are told that it will take 21 working days for the street light to be repaired whereas the norm should be five days?
Section 90 of the Standing Orders provides: (f). Be based on hypotheses, hearsay, arguments or deduction. The department is not aware of such allegations.
Why do I receive complaints that the following numbers are not answered, 011 861 2387 and 011 999 2525?
The 011 861 2387 is a redundant number and 011 999 2525 is the department reception office number. The Head of Department responsible for the Call Centre has issued strict instructions that only calls made to the Call Centre on 0860 54 3000 will be officially recorded and logged on the system.
On January 5, Brackendowns and Brackenhurst experienced electricity issues. A community member from Brackendowns said there has been electricity issues at least once a week. She attempted to contact 0860 54 3000 and could not get through but her power was recovered around 12:00.
People should contact 0860 54 3000 or 011 999 2525 as these are the numbers issued.
