Residents of Galway Street are grappling with severe power interruptions that have made life particularly challenging for families with disabled members.
Aubrey Fouche, a Galway resident, expressed his concern over prolonged power restoration times, which can extend up to seven days without any communication from the City of Ekurhuleni.
The latest power outage began on June 27, affecting six homes.
ALSO READ: Collapsed power lines cause power outage in Elandsfontein
Fouche, who lives with five extended family members, three of whom have disabilities, highlighted that this is not the first time they have faced such issues in winter.
“Last year, we experienced similar outages,” he said.
“By the end of this year, only one person in our house will be working, while the rest will be pensioners or Sassa beneficiaries. We pay our rates and taxes, but problems don’t get fixed on time.”
Fouche detailed the difficulties they face without power, including using gas for bathing, cooking, cleaning and sanitation.
“My disabled niece is not mobile and requires frequent diaper changes and bathing, which is a hassle without hot water from a geyser,” he said.
“Filling a gas bottle costs between R280 to R300, which is unaffordable for Sassa dependents.
“We also have food spoiling in our fridge, and maneuvering around the house at night is difficult.”
ALSO READ: Power issues in Germiston areas reach a boiling point
Recalling previous outages, Fouche said, “Last year, we lost electricity for seven days, then another 13-day outage followed. We had to protest and block roads for answers.”
He emphasised the need for permanent solutions and better security for substations, which are frequently vandalised.
Pierre Swanepoel, a nearby neighbour and Neighbourhood Watch leader, accused contractors of negligence and theft.
He noted that crime has increased without power, despite the Neighbourhood Watch’s efforts.
Swanepoel also highlighted the challenges of maintaining security and electrical infrastructure.
“We formed the Neighbourhood Watch nine months ago and have recovered stolen components, but no arrests have been made.
“Our community faces issues with backrooms, system overload, and crime. We’re raising funds to hire a private technician because the city takes too long to respond.”
ALSO READ: Dinwiddie residents still battle with power outages and surges
He added that large industrial vehicles are using Galway Street, which is not designed for such traffic.
“On June 27, a truck was involved in a multi-vehicle accident near Galway and Webber streets.
“We’re concerned about these vehicles possibly carrying hazardous chemicals and causing further damage by pulling down cables.”
The Germiston City News sent a request for comment to City of Ekurhuleni on July 2, requesting a response by July 5 at 10:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
