Councillor’s response to power outages
RANDBURG – Widespread reports finally receive a response.
In the last three weeks, Randburg Sun has received more complaints about power outages than it knew what to do with.
Residents have complained about outages in different areas including Bromhof, Bryanston, Ferndale, Fontainebleau, Kya Sand, Linden, Randburg Central Business District and Randpark Ridge.
City Power spokesperson Syndey Mphahlele was contacted and he promised to respond but, he did not. David Potter Ward 102 councillor, issued a statement to the media. “Many residents of Randburg and surrounds have been plagued with power outages over the last few weeks. Many of these outages relate to burnt cables, burnt distribution boxes, cable theft and blown or tripped substations, and such outages should be resolved within a few hours after having been logged,” said Potter.
He said some outages can take long time to be repaired because of work complications. “Larger outages such as trips on main substations or cable theft of larger supply cables can take an extended [period] of time to be repaired due to the complication of the work tasks and safety precautions that have to be taken by City Power.” Potter added that cable theft is the main cause of power outages. He said has noted that, there are less power outages in Blairgowrie, after City Power replaced the old copper cables. “Blairgowrie has been lucky to have had a City Power cable conversion project replace many of the old four span copper cables to new single span aerial bundle conductor cable over the past few months and it is hoped the project will follow in other suburbs that are affected by cable theft.”
He added that as ward councillor, he would continue to “put pressure on the City of Johannesburg… to deliver adequate and sustainable services to the residents of Joburg”.
“It is evident however, that City Power has internal issues… as well as the number of contractors or the reliability of contractors to attend to power outages.”
Details: City Power 011 375 5555; power outages 086 056 2874 ; https://citypower.mobi ; Ward 102 councillor David Potter 082 885 9688, david@oursuburg.co.za
