Encroachment on electricity infrastructure delays power restoration in Alexandra
A recent electricity outage in Alexandra, prolonged by an illegal structure which covered a part of a mini-substation, highlights how encroachment on municipal infrastructure disrupts service delivery and leaves residents in the dark.
Ward 116 councillor and chair of chairs in the City of Johannesburg Adolph Marema oversaw the decommissioning of a mini-substation on 14th Avenue after residents endured more than a week without electricity.
He explained that the delay in restoring supply was caused, not only by City Power’s damaged electricity infrastructure, but also by an illegal structure built around it.
Read more: Ward 116 to target three streets to normalise electricity
For technicians to carry out the necessary work, the structure had to be demolished to allow access. However, a lawful administrative process had to be followed before demolition could proceed, which extended the outage.
Marema confirmed that the property owner had agreed to remove the obstruction.
“The intervention highlights the importance of good governance, ethical leadership, and oversight in ensuring quality service delivery. It also underscores the significance of municipal by-laws and resident compliance in promoting safety, protecting infrastructure, and building a sustainable City of Johannesburg.”
Also read: Ward 116 councillor reflects on 2025 challenges
He stressed that affected households had been without electricity for about nine to ten days, underscoring how encroachment on electricity infrastructure continues to disrupt service delivery in Alexandra.
Meanwhile, City Power confirmed that supply was reinstated to all areas affected by the outage on the Joe Nhlanhla distributor, including customers between 14th Avenue and 16th Avenue, from Joe Nhlanhla Street to Reverend Sam Buti Street.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 116 Councillor Adolph Marema says the owner of an illegal structure covering part of a mini substation has agreed to demolish it. This will make the substation accessible and enable electricity to be restored to residents who have been without power for more than a week. Video: Supplied #caxtonlocalmedia #Localnews #News #Fyp #Alex #Community #SA #johannesburg ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“Earlier restoration was limited due to safety concerns in the area,” said the utility, “however, once conditions improved, technical teams accessed the site, completed investigations, and carried out the necessary work.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
