Primrose and Germiston residents demand urgent action on repeated power outages

Primrose and Germiston residents are saying enough is enough, with the ongoing power outages.

They have now taken their frustrations directly to the Executive Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. They are demanding immediate intervention on what they describe as ongoing power failures and systemic infrastructure mismanagement.

In a letter addressed to the mayor, the community outlines a series of outages that have left thousands in the dark and vulnerable.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Power outage in Ekurhuleni disrupts water supply across multiple wards

According to the timeline provided, the crisis began on March 22, when large parts of the area experienced a power outage.

Just four days later, on March 26, an even more widespread blackout occurred, this time attributed to the theft of cables from what residents claim is unsecured infrastructure.

Although power was eventually restored late on March 28, relief was short-lived.

By the following day, March 29, electricity supply failed again, plunging communities back into uncertainty and frustration.

“The outages have not only disrupted daily life but have also created dangerous conditions. During extended blackouts, essential services such as emergency response, healthcare support systems, refrigeration, and security infrastructure are severely compromised. Businesses have also taken a significant hit, with many unable to operate or forced to absorb financial losses,” explained Primrose Ratepayer Association chairperson David-Hutch Barr.

Furthermore, residents say the outages have enabled criminal activity to thrive.

Residents allege that organised groups are exploiting the situation, planning cable theft operations to coincide with power outages.

“This is no longer just an inconvenience; it is a public safety crisis,” the letter states, highlighting fears that the lack of infrastructure security is enabling repeated incidents.

ALSO READ: Power outage hits multiple Ekurhuleni suburbs after Wadeville substation fire

Residents are now demanding accountability and clear action from the City.

Among their key concerns are the immediate protection of electrical infrastructure, faster and more reliable restoration of power, and the launch of a formal investigation into the repeated failures and alleged security lapses.

They are also calling for tangible support measures for affected households and businesses, including compensation, emergency relief, and temporary service solutions.

Furthermore, the community wants to know what legal action will be taken against those responsible for the theft, as well as any officials or contractors who may have been negligent.

Long-term solutions are also firmly on the table. Residents are pressing the city to commit to infrastructure upgrades, improved security investments, and better communication during outages, particularly in terms of advance warnings and real-time updates.

The letter sets a deadline of April 3 for a formal, written response from the mayor’s office. Should the city fail to respond adequately, residents have warned that they will mobilise and march to municipal offices in protest.

ALSO READ: Emergency power outage planned for Germiston areas on Friday

This is not the first time Primrose residents have pleaded with the mayor to intervene on the power issues in the area.

Last September, an oversight visit by the Premier’s and mayor’s offices was conducted to address service delivery issues in the area, and at the top of the list were power outages and zama zamas.

A week after the visit, the mayor returned to Germiston as part of the mayoral outreach programme.

The visit aimed to address long-standing service delivery issues in the area.

The mayor made commitments to attend to these matters, and seven months later, residents are still pleading for the same matter to be addressed.

An enquiry was sent to the mayor’s office on April 30, questioning the city’s plans on addressing the matter.