Frustrations are running high among residents of Venterpos as Tuesday, August 17 marked day six of being without electricity.
It is believed that the cables were stolen during a supply interruption after a pylon had been blown over by the recent strong winds, and was vandalised.
The Herald has been inundated with calls from residents who said they’ve literally been kept in the dark by Eskom and Rand West City Local Municipality as to when the power will be restored.
Sonika Badenhorst, a resident in the area said they have been struggling to get hold of the municipality, as no phones were answered.
While there is no power, vandals are damaging the substation, causing the problem to get bigger, but there is no sign of the issue getting attended to,” Badenhorst said.
She added that the elderly and poor people are the ones who are bearing the brunt, and that their endless efforts to resolve the problems and help the community have come to nothing.
“We need to know what’s being done about this issues and when power will be restored – that would be very helpful.”
Another resident, Dalene Gerber said, “We live on a farm, and many of our a facilities aren’t operational. We’ve been struggling to get hold of Eskom to assist us. There were rumours that they have started working on the issue, but I doubt that as there’s no sign of people on site.”
According to Ward 25 councillor, Anele Saba, Eskom staff are currently working at the substation and repairing the pylons.
They’ve working there since yesterday; that’s the information I can give,” Saba added.
