Wires crossed with power problems in Alberton

ALBERTON – In Alberton North there has been a report of cable theft in the area dating back more than five weeks and affecting 10th Avenue and Hendrik Potgieter Street.

A male resident, who would like to remain anonymous, explained that it cost him in the region of R100 for calls to Ekurhuleni service centres. He is annoyed with the fact that when he called the call centres, he had to hold on for a long time. He follows the voice prompts and he gets issued a reference number and no one gets back to him regarding the electrical issue.

The cable theft affected the entire street of houses, with cables that were placed around 10cm deep, and no electricity for days.

William Eatwell, another resident, explained that there was a live wire sticking out near his front gate, and that he could not gain access to the alternative gate. He made numerous calls to EMM with reference numbers, calling at least every second day.

Everything in William’s household blew due to a power surge after the cable theft incident.

For two months, the street lights have not been working in that region, and a resident believes being in total darkness to be unsafe.

EMMs response on July 7:

The cables at the corner 10th avenue and Hendrick Potgieter road are fixed and cleaned already.

What about Verwoerd Park area?

This area was also affected by a lot of power outages and the EMM had said that was caused by a burnt isolator that was fixed on the same day at Padstow 33kv substation.

Those who helped:

A ward committee member, Beverley-Ann Small, of Alberton North, said it was only sorted out on Friday, after numerous complaints to the chief engineer. A check-up by the residents was done continuously to make sure all was in order. When the Ekurhuleni Electricity Department came to inspect it, they were unaware of why a resident was without electricity. The ward committee member pointed out the strand of cable which was sticking out of the ground.

Beverley and CPF member Dave Burt were patrolling to ensure the community was safe. Had the cable been cut the case was four to five weeks ago, the Alberton North region would have been without electricity once again.

Any electrical problems can be reported to the EMM Electrical Department on 011 999 2525. Please ensure you obtain a reference number.

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