Germiston CBD’s economy continues to suffer as local businesses struggle with power outages.

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A shop at 55 Joubert Street has been left with no choice but to use generators to keep their business afloat after losing power on January 6.

The business operators have been experiencing problems with their electricity since they reopened after the December holidays on January 3.

“We called the metro call centre on 0860 543 000 on January 6 to log the complaint and received a reference number. Follow-up calls were made and we were promised the issue will be discussed with their ‘team leader’ and that it would be escalated to the energy department,” said Bernice Smith, Germiston Locksmith manager, on January 27.

“Last week a team arrived at our premises and investigated the situation. They went to the transformer to change a fuse and said they would be back the following day as they did not have more fuses with them to solve our problem. To this day (January 27), we still wait,” said Smith.

“To run our business, we have to make use of a generator. This is done at a cost of R400 to R600 per day. The costs accumulate and for the first 13 days we are looking at about R5 200, ” said Smith.

“I am at a loss for words and not sure what to do to have the problem solved. There is no service delivery from the CoE. Yet come month-end, we will still be billed for a full month’s usage.”

Smith said on January 26 they had to buy a new generator, costing about R13 000.

“We need the power to continue running our business of cutting keys. I have spoken to two councillors already and no one has been able to help us.

“I have six staff members who I am worried about as the month-end approaches. I am worried I might not have enough to pay them their full salaries because the little we make has to be used for fuel to power the generators,” said Smith.

GCN questioned CoE on Smith’s concerns and whether technicians identified any problems during their visit referenced by Smith, how much longer the problem will persist and the necessary tools to restore power.

A second inquiry questioned the costs to restore power, whether the business can expect any financial support from CoE for costs incurred.

The first request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on January 20, requesting comment by January 21.

A second enquiry was sent to CoE on January 27, requesting comment by January 28.

By the time of going to print, no comment had been received.