Electricians wrongfully “close” electricity

A distraught Mr Duduzane can’t understand how municipal electricians can get two different street names confused and disconnect the wrong resident’s electricity as a result.

Last week Monday, Mr Duduzane was wrongfully disconnected when electricians seemingly confused “Inhlaba Street” and “Inhlaba Close”. They got the street number right, but the disconnection was meant for Inhlaba Close and not Inhlaba Street. Mr Duduzane was the unlucky victim of this apparent mix-up.

Due to his work situation, the complainant was out of town when electricians went to his residence and disconnected his power. Returning home the next day, Mr Duduzane was surprised and very annoyed to find himself without electricity.

Being a law-abiding citizen and conscientious ratepayer, he knew his electricity account is well managed and not in arrears, and so was very confused as to what was going on. He decided to go to the municipality and enquire about the balance on his account, which was a “current owing” of R731.76.

He then noticed the address on the disconnection letter was Inhlaba Close and he resides in Inhlaba Street, and it suddenly all made sense.

“It is clear that the fault lies with the electricians. They don’t have the right to inconvenience and embarrass residents,” said an annoyed Mr Duduzane. “The question needs to be answered as to who is held responsible for the damages and loss of food items in the refrigerator? Is the municipality going to reimburse me for my loss?” he added.

Later that day (Tuesday last week), his electricity was switched back on.

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