It’s enough, City Power

Power cuts have been affecting numerous residents and businesses in Randburg over the past three weeks.

Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana said, “Businesses and residents are frustrated with City Power. It’s near-impossible to get answers out of them.” According to Santana the affected areas are Olivedale, Johannesburg North, North Riding, Northwold and Jukskei Park. He added, “North Riding and Olivedale are the most affected areas with outages daily from 7am to 1pm and sometimes longer.”

According to him the reason given for the outages is that the demand for power has increased, thus the distribution points trip at Netcare Olivedale Hospital, followed by the Olivedale substation which is already running at 130 per cent capacity.

Ward 101 councillor, Ralf Bittkau, who is a resident in Meadowhurst, commented, “The councillors in the area have been inundated with complaints from residents. After having no luck with City Power, I have forwarded all the complaints directly to City Power management and to the MMC [Member of the Mayoral Committee] of Environment and Infrastructure.”

Santana contacted the MMC of Environment and Infrastructure, Matshidiso Mfikoe and apparently, City Power, in an attempt to alleviate the crisis, was in the process of laying two additional cables. These were to divert power from Netcare Olivedale Hospital distribution and attempt to stabilise the grid. This was completed on 22 July.

“Business owners and residents alike, however would prefer a detailed plan from City Power addressing this issue in the immediate, medium and long-term,” said Santana.

Questions were sent to City Power spokespersons: Sol Masolo and Sydney Mphahlele. However, City Power responded on Twitter: “@AshtynMackenzie: Hi,Techs were sent to attend to the problem.^GN”

@AshtynMackenzie Hi,Techs were sent to attend to the problem.^GN

— @CityPowerJhb (@CityPowerJhb) July 28, 2015

MMC Mfikoe has not been available for comment.