The dark reality of power outage

 The power outage has had a serious impact on Nigel residents, businesses and schools.

Some businesses in town have been closed to the public since June 21.

This was due to not having power or any sufficient backup power supply, such as generators.

HERAUT spoke to some residents to hear more about how this dark reality affected them.

“We are very frustrated,” said Johannes Khobile who works at a nearby factory that has also been affected by the power outage.

“We can’t work because of this outage, and now we won’t get paid.

“We have families and children to support, the people responsible for fixing the damage must hurry up.”

Businesses that were still open were not able to accept any means of payment other than cash, and most residents had to travel to Heidelberg or Springs to withdraw money from operational ATMs.

Local businesses opened their hearts to the community and offered help by providing free usage of generators, WiFi, food and warm drinks.

Some schools in town are fortunate enough to have generators to keep the school continuing as normal as possible, but despite this, the power outage still provided struggles for the learners.

“It is a bit of a struggle,” said Bennie Holmner from Tini Vorster Primary School. “It is dark in the mornings and the classrooms are a bit cold, but we are fortunate enough to have a generator that enables us to continue with school.

“Naturally, the problem for the learners would be at home, since food is going off and they cannot take warm baths or showers.”

Other schools like Hannes Visagie Primary School were unable to access any water due to the water pumps being at a standstill because of the outage.

With schools currently in the middle of exams, learners have been battling to study in the dark with only candlelight to support them.

“I am currently busy with exams and I mostly rely on a computer for subjects,” said Lee-Ann Gouws (18), a Grade 11 learner from John Vorster High School. “We are really struggling to study at night as well because the candles are sold out.”

Most residents, who do not have any generators or solar panels, were just as frustrated with the situation.
Even those who have generators couldn’t afford to keep them running for a whole day.

Some residents explained they spent a minimum of around R500 a day to buy petrol or diesel to keep their generators running.

“We are all very frustrated with this situation,” said An du Plessis, a resident with school-going children. “Cooking and bathing is a mission, and people are getting angry.

“What happens to those of us who do not have generators, or rely on oxygen and have no alternative?
“My children are at school and they cannot study in the dark.

“Residents in Nigel are on the verge of initiating a strike because nothing has been done about the situation. Enough is enough.”

The Nigel Home for the Aged expressed its gratitude for having a generator, which is essential in providing some residents of the home with oxygen and other life-sustaining equipment.

“The generator is a blessing,” said Pieter Smit from the home. “It is costing us at least R10 000 a day to run, but we cannot do without it.

“This power outage will have a major effect on us financially so we can’t even imagine what the impact on other residents in Nigel is.

“Our hearts go out to those who do not have a generator and are now struggling as a result of this crisis.”