After months without power, residents in sections of 11th Avenue in Alexandra are finally seeing electricity restored, according to Ward 108 councillor Deborah Francisco.

Speaking after the memorial service for John Makgoka, a respected leader within the regional structure of the African National Congress held at AlexSan Kopano Resource Centre on Thursday, Francisco announced the partial return of supply.

Read more: Electricity crisis pits neighbour against neighbour

“I understand that City Power has already started restoring power in some parts of 11th Avenue. I hope they are co-operating with City Power. They are also going to restore power to 8th Avenue and 7th Avenue.”

Francisco urged residents to comply and start paying for services, especially since they endured a prolonged power outage due to meter tampering. Her strongest appeal was directed at residents on 11th Avenue. “As community members, let us try to pay for our services, because you can’t get services if you do not pay. I think what is left for residents to do is pay for services going forward.”

The restoration comes against a backdrop of widespread illegal connections and meter tampering that City Power says severely hampers its operations in Alexandra. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena previously confirmed that all 384 meters installed on the same street last year were found tampered with earlier this year.

Mangena highlighted how such activities severely affect the utility’s finances and its ability to provide reliable services across the city. This is especially significant as electricity remains Johannesburg’s largest revenue generator, contributing R27.8b to the city’s coffers.

Despite these challenges, the city is committing substantial resources to fix the problem.

Also read: No electricity until 80% of residents start paying

During the recent budget address, MMC for Finance Loyiso Masuku revealed that City Power received an operating expenditure allocation of approximately R28.3b and a R6.7b capital programme for the medium term, aimed at grid strengthening, smart metering, electricity loss reduction, and informal settlement electrification.

“Every rand we lose through illegal connections, meter tampering, billing weaknesses, non-payment, and water losses is a rand that cannot repair Johannesburg.”

City Power has repeatedly pointed out that these illegal practices directly sabotage initiatives aimed at improving billing accuracy and stabilising supply. In Alexandra, Francisco said the cycle of tampering has become self-defeating, leaving residents in the dark for extended periods.

Francisco emphasised that sustainable power supply depends on residents meeting their obligations. With restoration now underway in parts of 11th Avenue, she hopes the community will seize the opportunity to move towards greater compliance.

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