City Power drops most subcontractors from service
The utility hopes to have 300 full-time electricians in service by mid-2023.
City Power has terminated most private subcontractors’ services and has reverted to using their own technicians to resolve electrical issues.
Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said, “This move is to capacitate our internal resources by recruiting electricians, technicians, artisans, and engineers as full-time employees.”
He said previously contractors were haphazardly employed by the utility to rectify outages and resolve long-term issues. “The 52 newly appointed electricians will foster a better understanding of issues and build up a body of knowledge specific to their area.”
The aim, he said, was to have 300 electricians deployed by mid-2023.
The majority of work carried out by City Power is done on a four-day on and four-day off working cycle for technicians who perform their duties mostly during day shifts. However, Mangena added, “We run a 24-hour essential service operation and subcontractors who are still utilised only leave when they finish the job at hand, not necessarily at 6pm. Internal operators even work at night and cannot abandon work because of time.”
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker said, “If you see anyone working after hours, particularly during load-shedding, please inform the City Power risk control immediately on 011 490 7553.”
She urged residents not to put themselves at risk but to note the location and vehicle on-site if possible, noting the make, type, and colour.
Jonker concluded, “The police, JMPD, private security companies, CPF patrollers, and residents are requested to be extra vigilant.”
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