Residents of large parts of Roodepoort are at their whits end with power outages.
Wilgeheuwel resident, Julien Kruger said that he is so tired of the many power outages that he has thought about moving. Kruger explained that he has tried to get answers from City Power for many years, but gets no response. “I sometimes get messages in the middle of a power outage saying that the problem has been resolved,” said Kruger. He added that there have been about 16 outages in 9 weeks.
“There have also been many break-ins in the complex I stay in, when the power goes out. City Power couldn’t care less,” said a frustrated Kruger. He explained that every person should have power. “I pay for something that I don’t get. It has been like this for more than three years. My food got spoiled and my TV blew up once when the power came on. I feel so helpless,” said Kruger. He concluded that the power is off for an average of ten hours at a time, when it is off.
Stuart Lowe, who is on the security portfolio for Honeydew Ridge Estate 3 said that the power outages are out of control. “We need intervention from the police and City Power,” said Lowe. He added that the Honeydew Ridge experienced a 30-hour long outage a month ago, six outages in a month period and three outages in a week. He explained that he is a member of a security Whatsapp-group and it is believed that cable theft could be the cause.
“I suggest we call an urgent meeting with City Power, the police, resident’s associations and all security companies involved, to get answers, discuss a plan to reduce this and catch the culprits,” concluded Lowe.
Ward 97 Councillor, Jaco Engelbrecht said that he was trying to arrange a meeting with the City, but is struggling. “I have had people from City Power tell me that it is indeed cable theft,” said Councillor Engelbrecht. He added that residents are desperately looking for answers.”The problem is due to mismanagement, as well as the fact that City Power does not have the needed material to solve the issue.”
City Power spokesperson, Yumna Sheik commented that many areas are affected due to a fault at Boothill substation where two cables are faulty and technicians cannot backfeed. “ETA is not known at this stage as new materials are being ordered,” said Sheik.
At time of publication, the Police could not confirm cable theft as a possible cause.
Details: City Power, 011 490 7000.
Related articles:
WATCH: Noisy generator to be removed
