Mahauzana flats residents move toward legal electricity supply

After years of illegal electricity connections, infrastructure overload, and community tension, residents of Mahauzana Flats in Ward 81 are finally seeing concrete progress toward a lawful and sustainable electricity solution.

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This follows consistent engagements between City Power and Ward 81 councillor Joanne Horwitz aimed at resolving Mahauzana’s electricity challenges. “Mahauzana Flats residents have had no option but to connect illegally to the River Park electricity network,” said Horwitz. “This has placed severe strain on infrastructure and created an unsafe and unfair environment for all residents.”

Horwitz confirmed that City Power has installed two new electricity distributors dedicated to serving Mahauzana Flats. The intervention marks a significant step forward in addressing a long-standing crisis that has strained the local electricity grid.

The next phase, currently underway, involves providing the necessary cabling to connect the distributors to a bulk prepaid electricity meter. “Due to the unique and temporary nature of this intervention – given the unlawful occupation status of Mahauzana Flats – the cost of individual prepaid meters will need to be covered by the residents who will be making use of them.” She emphasised that this approach ensures an immediate solution, while broader, long-term housing issues are addressed separately.

Last year, City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated that the utility was under no obligation to provide Mahauzana Flats with electricity, as the settlement had not been formally proclaimed by the Gauteng provincial government. Despite this, both City Power and the councillor have managed to find a workable solution to the area’s electricity woes, which River Park residents say unfairly affects households that purchase electricity, particularly during winter.

Also read: Ward 81 in River Park gets its messenger

Community leaders in Mahauzana have undertaken to provide City Power with a verified list of residents requiring prepaid meters, enabling the utility to proceed with procurement and installation of the bulk meter. Horwitz stressed her commitment to resolving the issue, citing the significant financial and infrastructural impact of illegal connections. “Each overloaded distributor costs approximately R1m to replace. At a time when the city’s finances are under pressure, it is essential that we protect infrastructure and stabilise revenue.”

She also highlighted the wider benefits of the intervention. Once completed, the solution will regularise electricity supply across River Park, ensuring that all residents contribute fairly for the power they consume.

Horwitz commended River Park residents for their consistent advocacy and willingness to pay for services, noting that their stance has been crucial in pushing for a fairer system.

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