River Park residents face a dark week ahead as City Power refuses to re-establish electricity in the area

City Power has responded sternly to protests along London Road in Alex where River Park residents erected barricades on the N3 with burning tyres and debris on the afternoon of December 5.

Read more: City Power extends meter compliance deadline for people who have not upgraded yet

City Power had said, in a statement on December 4, that the entity cannot electrify illegally occupied properties at River Park Flats. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena reiterated that this had been communicated to the community on numerous occasions, and that it remained a legal and ethical obligation for the entity to adhere to this principle.

“We urge the occupants of these illegally occupied flats to engage with the Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Housing to resolve the matter. Once we receive the necessary green light from the department, we will be able to normalize electricity connections in compliance with legal requirements,” said Mangena, adding context. “It is important to clarify that the process of installing meters in the River Park area is part of our ongoing maintenance work. This process does not constitute a project in the traditional sense, but rather an essential service provided by our qualified employees and contractors.”

The community continued their protest from 07:00, again barricading London Road – forcing motorists to find alternative routes. Mangena said City Power has realised that the interim committee in River Park was engaging in bad faith, shifting the poles as soon as a resolution was reached.

Also read: City Powers stolen megger disrupts power repairs in Alexandra

“Many residents took advantage of the amnesty we gave to replace their non-functioning meters, and registered to have meters installed so that they can buy electricity, something we commend,” said Mangena. “Unfortunately, the people calling themselves the interim committee have disrupted the plans in River Park which we agreed on with the residents and this interim committee. This is affecting the majority of residents who have nothing to do with the chasing away of our technicians when they come to install meters.

“To them, it’s like they want to do everything not to pay for electricity and to continue to use electricity for free. That cannot be allowed. As City Power, we are steady in our resolve that we will not switch on electricity in River Park until we are allowed to normalize the area, and install the meters.”

Mangena said that raising issues from illegally occupied flats in River Park had nothing to do with City Power.

“Our technicians have been instructed not to switch on electricity to River Park. Unfortunately, this means a weekend in darkness for the innocent there, whom we advise to engage with this interim committee, and speak sense to them,” Mangena urged. “We will remain ready to move in to install meters when the residents allow, and we will reinstate the supply of electricity. Until then, unfortunately, we can’t help them.”

Mangena said City Power had reinforced their security, as well as requested the police to arrest anyone who commits a crime, damages property, or threatens people, or cars.

Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.

Related article: City Power urges prepaid customers to complete meter upgrades before deadline