Residents in Windsor East are tired of unplanned electricity outages happening just about every week.
These power failures, which are outside of load-shedding, have been a feature for about two years, but have been happening more regularly lately and four were reported between September 28 and October 26.
The longest of these latest outages lasted for 27 hours.
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs met with residents, along with the Randburg Sun, and said she was surprised to hear this as power was re-routed from the local substation to better manage the load after there were many outages in the area last year.
Also read:Robin Hills and Robindale experience at least 6 water leaks in successive days
Robin Glen Residents Association members put time and money into cleaning that substation, removing displaced people, installing a fence and locks and continually monitoring and maintaining the site.
But still, Seelan Pillay and Lynn Stevens are among a number of residents who cannot work when the power goes out.
“I have assignments and presentations to prepare, and my laptop only works when it is plugged in,” Pillay said, adding he goes to the grocery store to charge his phone.
“When the power goes out, I cannot work at all. Since September these outages have been weekly and even my food has spoiled after the longer outages. It is an unnecessary expense to replace food.”
Stevens said she had to buy an inverter just to work but does not understand why City Power should not have to pay for the device to keep her internet on.
“At least with load-shedding I can manage for two, or two and a half hours, but with these long unplanned outages I cannot work, and I have to go to friends to do so. Some people here have nowhere to go to work.”
Jacobs concluded she would take the matter up with City Power.
City Power spokespeople were contacted by the Randburg Sun, and questions were sent to them about the matter.
They said they are waiting for detailed feedback from their Randburg team, and an official response will be provided only once it is received.
Related Article:
