An electricity cable installation project in Geluksdal will end constant power outages in the area.
The project has also come as a relief to 20 community members who received temporary jobs from a local contractor who has been contracted by the City of Ekurhuleni to install power cables in both Geluksdal and Geluksdal Extension.
Andre Hendriks (44), an unemployed father of four from Geluksdal Extension Three, expressed his gratitude for the prospects of a stable power supply and the job he received from the project.
“I have not worked for many years and it has been hard. Now I am able to put bread on the table, and hope for more opportunities in future,” he said.
“We, as the community, have also committed to be vigilant and watch out for those who connect electricity illegally as the damage they cause and the constant outages affect us.”
Read: Why are there no power cuts in Brakpan North?
The electricity cable that is installed in the two areas is a 3km-long high voltage type entrenched 1.2 metres deep into the ground.
It will serve as a back-up feeder in case of power outages, which are mainly caused by cable theft and illegal connections.
Tasha Kruger (33) is the owner of a hair salon operating in Geluksdal.
The hairdressing business is reliant on an uninterrupted supply of electricity to prosper.
The frequent power outages due to cable theft have seen Tasha’s business declining, as she had to close on those occasions.
“The hours when we were closed were costly in terms of lost income, as we had to turn clients away,” she said.
“What was more painful was the electrical equipment that was damaged when the power tripped.
“I had to budget to buy new ones and there were occasions when the people who assist me were not paid for some days as our work is based on commission and the number of clients attended to at the salon.
“I really hope that this project makes a difference in our community.”
Also read: Ekurhuleni beats other metros in job creation
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