Residents of Kanana Ext 4 and 5 gathered at City Power’s (CP) offices in Kaalfontein on October 1, demanding the re-installation of transformers after enduring over a month without electricity.
Frustrated by what they say is a lack of action from the company responsible for restoring power, the community staged a peaceful protest under the supervision of the police.
Community leader Ngwako Raphokoana explained they visited CP to seek clarification on when the promised transformers would be delivered.
ALSO READ: Redistributors of electricity urged not exceed approved tariffs – CoE
“The community selected us to find out when we will get what they promised us. We have the right to electricity and service delivery.
“Instead of addressing our concerns and giving us a way forward, CP sent the police, even though our protest was peaceful. We are simply asking for answers to a problem affecting our community.”
Raphokoana highlighted the devastating impact of the power outage, recounting two tragic deaths in the community.
“We have since buried a child and an elderly person because of this delay. The grandmother lacked proper care because of the power cut, and we lost her.
“The child relied on machines to survive, and despite the family’s efforts to use a generator, the child died.
ALSO READ: Water and electricity supply in Kempton Park get worse
“We are not asking for much. We want CP to work with us to ensure they are taking care of the community. Their lack of communication is unacceptable.”
CP management has yet to address the concerns of the residents and requested a detailed report of the issues, and is expected to respond in due course.
