Klopperpark residents have endured over two weeks of power disruptions, exacerbating the challenges for those with chronic illnesses.
The issues stem from the deteriorating infrastructure and a rise in illegal electrical connections.
Resident Antonie Fick highlighted her father’s dire situation.
He has dementia and requires constant oxygen therapy.
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“His device needs electricity all the time. We have a generator as a precaution, but it has a limited capacity. If the oxygen levels drop, it could be life-threatening,” said Fick.
Her aunt, also relying on oxygen therapy due to a lung ailment, faces similar challenges without a generator.
Fick expressed frustration with the Ekurhuleni call centre, which suggested finding alternative oxygen supplies.
“It is clear this person does not live with anyone ill,” she said.
The prolonged blackout forced families to bathe their children in cold water and struggle with basic needs like cooking and heating water for bottle-feeding infants.
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“It is dangerous at night because it is dark. Our security systems are compromised,” Fick said.
Many residents, predominantly elderly folk, cannot afford generators or gas stoves.
“Residents had to discard spoilt food, including meat, because the prolonged power outages caused our freezers to melt. Pensioners cannot recover from this loss,” Fick added.
“Despite paying our municipal bills, we still go without services and continue getting billed. It is not fair.”
Fick identified illegal connections as a primary issue because they cause system overloads.
“Our infrastructure is not designed to handle more traffic than necessary. The illegal connections must be terminated.”
Jordan Zerff, another resident, reported power outages on Kragbron and Kultuur Streets lasting more than a week.
“Our power supply has been inconsistent since January. We have lost money, food and appliances. Living in Klopperpark feels like the Middle Ages; people use fire for everything,” Zerff said.
The Germiston City News contacted the CoE for comment on July 26, requesting a response by July 29 at 10:00 am. We had received no comment by the time of publication.
