70 DAYS of darkness for Kempton Park residents
In six months Kempton Park residents have endured 262 power outages with an average down time of anywhere from 5 to 9 hours.
Kempton Park residents have experienced 70 days of power outages in the last six months, according to FF Plus Clr Jean Kriek.
“Information recorded by Kempton Park residents indicated that the city had experienced 263 power outages over the last six months, leaving residents without power for nearly 70 days. These power outages severely impacted households and businesses,” said Kriek.
“Many households and businesses do not have the financial capacity to acquire alternative power sources. Therefore, such businesses are forced to close their doors during outages.”
He added that detailed statistics recorded by the community and shared on social media indicate the severity of the situation affecting several neighbourhoods.
Also read: Concerns raised over Kempton power supply
According to Kriek, OR Tambo International Airport suffered 12 outages averaging six hours, and Allen Grove experienced 10 outages averaging seven hours.
“There were 14 recorded outages in Aston Manor that averaged five hours, and 15 outages, an average of eight hours, in Birch Acres.
“Birchleigh residents experienced 15 outages averaging eight hours, and there were 13 outages in Bonaero Park averaging seven hours,” said Kriek.
He added that eight outages in the Kempton Park CBD lasted an average of nine hours.
“There were 11 recorded outages in Cresslawn and nine in Croydon lasting six and seven hours, respectively. In Edleen, 10 outages each lasted an average of six hours, and in Ester Park, 12 outages lasted an average of six hours each.
Also read: Media and residents desperate for clarity on Kempton power outages
“Glen Erasmia residents experienced 13 outages averaging five hours, while the community of Glen Marais sat through 11 outages averaging seven hours.”
Kriek added that 10 outages, averaging eight hours, were experienced in Kelvin Estate.
#KemptonParkPower outage is affecting:
💡Parts of Birchleigh North
💡Parts of Rhodesfield.Our team is busy isolating the faults. No ERT at this stage. pic.twitter.com/kWwvxrEttn
— CITY OF EKURHULENI (@City_Ekurhuleni) August 2, 2024
“In Kempton extensions 1, 2, 3 and 4, there were 14 outages averaging five hours, and in Kempton Park West, residents experienced 12 outages averaging six hours each.”
He said that according to records, there were 11 outages in Nimrod Park lasting seven hours each, while in Norkem Park, there were 10 outages averaging seven hours.
“Residents in Pomona went through 12 outages, each averaging six hours, and those in Rhodesfield experienced eight outages, each averaging nine hours.”
Also read: VIDEO: Kempton Park Power: “Explosion” leads to another widespread outage
In Spartan, nine outages averaging eight hours were recorded, and in Terenure, records show residents went through 13 outages averaging seven hours.
“In Van Riebeeck Park, there were 10 outages averaging six hours.”
According to Kriek, outdated infrastructure caused the power outages, with some lines older than 77 years.
“The Ekurhuleni metro has done very little to upgrade the power network, and the root of the power problem lies there.
“We have already asked the city to devise an action plan stipulating how it would address the problems with the 66 kV network and when it will replace the medium- and low-voltage cables in residential and business areas,” added Kriek.
He said the matter was escalated to the Gauteng Legislature to discuss with the relevant MECs.
He said Kempton Park residents deserve a reliable power network, and the CoE should prioritise the matter.
The spokesperson for the CoE, Zweli Dlamini, said the city was aware of all the power outages that have occurred.
Also read: Man airlifted to hospital after he’s electrocuted at Kempton Park power station
Dlamini said the city had invested resources in strengthening and upgrading the infrastructure and intends to upgrade the medium- and low-voltage cables through electrical engineering practices and standards.
He said the city would achieve this by implementing contingency plans for sustaining the electricity supply.
What's happening in Kempton park cbd, West street and Gladiator street, we have no power since 21:30 last night!
— 🌹 (@Phiweness) July 28, 2024
“In the event of a power outage, the city repairs all the infrastructure that led to the power outage and ensures power is restored to all residents and businesses quickly. Unfortunately, there is no other thing we can provide customers,” said Dlamini.
“The FF Plus has a right to share their views on the matter. Regarding an action plan, the city always develops plans to deal with the challenges it might face as a city,” added Dlamini.
He said the city would ensure the power network is reliable and efficient by adhering to electrical engineering standards.
“The capital budget is R552 214 824. However, this amount is not exclusively reserved for Kempton Park and is used across the entire metro based on predetermined factors,” said Dlamini.
