Gamalakhe protesters demand electricity reconnection

Roads were blockaded and commuters stranded as a blaze engulfed the entrance to Gamalakhe, on Tuesday this week, as angry protesters blocked entry points demanding that their electricity be reconnected by Eskom, three weeks after it was disconnected.

The electricity supply was cut after the power utility discovered that 90% of the connection to transformers in Wards 26 and 28 were done illegally, and was burdening the system resulting in major power cuts in the area.

According to the Ward 28 councillor, Bekithemba Zulu, Eskom said it will have to do an audit of households connected to the three transformers which had been disconnected. One transformer had blown a number of times as a result of the illegal connections.

“It all started when the electrical boxes were being changed by a contractor, affiliated with Eskom. They installed meter boxes which according to Eskom were not registered and have been tampered with by those who are not paying for their electricity, or are not loading vouchers and are using free electricity.

“The residents did acknowledge that some households are not paying for electricity, however, did not understand why the power utility had to cut all connections without informing them. They demand that Eskom reconnects the electricity first before starting with the audit which was said to be starting today (Tuesday, August 16),” explained the councillor.

He said that he understands the community’s frustrations as people cannot be expected to be left for so many days without electricity, especially the elderly who now need to collect firewood to put food on their families’ tables.

One of the protesters, Nkosinathi Mbili of Ward 28 said what the councillor said is true, however, as residents, they have not sat down with him to discuss the matter.

“He needs to explain to us what Eskom wants to do and how they would be doing it. That is why we are here today, demanding that Eskom meets with us and reconnects our electricity before they begin their audit. Families are suffering,” said Mbili.

Eskom said rampant illegal connections are the cause of blown transformers.

“Overloading on the Eskom electrical network results in damage to electricity infrastructure through the explosion of transformers and mini-substations, as well as in prolonged unplanned outages. It also poses a great danger to people and property,” said Joyce Zingoni of Eskom.

She said to ensure the integrity of the network and the safety of the public in the event that Eskom’s assets are damaged or vandalised due to illegal connections, Eskom will only replace the transformer once the illegal connections have been removed.

Eskom’s general manager for KZN, Agnes Mlambo urged communities to come forward with information that may help in apprehending the perpetrators.

To report vandalism, illegal connections and theft call 0800 112722.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram