The DA in Ekurhuleni lambasted the metro for wasting time doing finger-pointing rather than attempting to find a solution to the power problem in the City of Ekurhuleni.
“We believe it is time for the blame games to stop, and start tackling the power outages head-on and implement the solution,” said Ald Tania Campbell – DA Leader in Ekurhuleni.
This comes after Eskom issued a media statement today, June 3, suggesting the Ekurhuleni metro has not been doing what is required with regards to load-shedding.
In the statement, Eskom stated that it was again in a meeting with the City of Ekurhuleni to discuss the City’s load-shedding schedule following the meeting that was held between the two entities on June 2.
“The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the exclusion of critical load from the load-shedding schedule and to ensure that the City meets the required load which they need to shed.
“Earlier today, Eskom reported that it is implementing load-shedding in the City’s licensed area of supply. This follows an agreement between the City and Eskom due to the inability of the City to implement load-shedding on its own,” said Eskom spokesperson Ronel Kotze in the statement.
Kotze further stated that the engagements between the two entities would continue until such time that the City is able to implement load-shedding.
Residents of Ekurhuleni are, however, urged to contact the municipality directly for the City’s load-shedding schedule.
Smack in the face
Meanwhile, the DA described the ‘power struggle’ between the two parties as a smack in the face to hard-working residents and businesses who bear the brunt of this public spat.
“As the DA, we have been inundated with calls and complaints from frustrated businesses and residents who are struggling to stay afloat due to these rampant outages.
“While South African’s are already being put through the inconvenience of load-shedding, residents of Ekurhuleni now have to contend with an unreliable and unpredictable power supply that follows no schedule,” said Campbell.
“We call on Mayor Mzwandile Masina to get his house in order. It’s shocking that at such a trying time, neither the mayor nor the city manager is contactable.
“Communities of Ekurhuleni deserve better. We have escalated this matter to our national structures and we will be holding those responsible to account. Residents and businesses have lost millions and some have lost their livelihood due to the uncaring attitude of this government.”
Also Read: Power Crisis: Boksburg residents subjected to daily power outages
Interim load-shedding schedule for Ekurhuleni metro
According to the metro, Eskom has introduced a nationwide load-shedding due to sudden loss of capacity at various power stations and is implementing it directly at the point of intake.
“This means that the City’s load-shedding schedules are not applicable. In an effort to assist consumers, a temporary load-shedding schedule has been drafted for stages one to eight over 31 days, covering all 24 hours of each day,” explained metro spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini.
Eskom is implementing load-shedding on two-hour cycles, but the City’s schedule indicates three hours. The additional time added is set aside for the City’s technical teams for switching.
“The demand for electricity is higher during the winter months and this may result in overload trips once Eskom supply is restored.
“The City is in discussions with Eskom on possible exclusion of load-shedding during stage one and two for industrial customers or other key customers in the City where network configuration allows for it,” said Dlamini.
The City urges all customers to save electricity by switching off all non-essential appliances.
“Customers are encouraged to switch off electrical appliances when load-shedding is implemented to avoid possible damage due to power surges when supply is restored. Please be reminded to always treat electrical circuits as live at all times.”
Also Read: How to cope with loadshedding & homeschooling
