Wadeville demands solutions from the city on power crisis

Businesses in the Wadeville industrial area say they are struggling as continued electricity disruptions affect their operations and livelihoods.

Some business owners have indicated they may consider legal action against the City of Ekurhuleni, claiming the outages are creating unsustainable conditions for running their companies.

The concerns came to light during a recent oversight visit to Wadeville by the DA, led by Gauteng leader and Member of the Provincial Legislature Solly Msimanga, along with Ward 39 Clr Jean Ingram and Michael Clarke, DA Member of Parliament.

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During the visit, business owners expressed frustration over the frequency of power disruptions and the costs of maintaining operations.

Many have relied on generators to continue production, but said the expense of diesel and strain on machinery is becoming unsustainable.

“Running generators every day is not sustainable, and the damage to our machines is adding another financial burden,” said one business owner, who asked not to be named.

According to the DA, Wadeville businesses have experienced more than 50 days of electricity disruptions over the past six months.

“Business owners warned that without improvements, some operations may be forced to close.

“If nothing changes, we will have no choice but to consider legal action to ensure we receive a reliable electricity supply,” one business owner said.

The Wadeville industrial area is home to numerous manufacturing and engineering companies employing thousands of workers. Business owners said continued instability in power supply could threaten jobs and the local economy.

Speaking during the visit, Msimanga described the electricity challenges as both a business and economic concern.

“These businesses employ thousands of people and contribute significantly to the local economy.

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“If they shut down because the government cannot provide reliable electricity, the consequences will be severe,” he said.

He called for a coordinated response from different levels of government and for urgent intervention to stabilise the electricity supply.

The DA has requested a meeting with the Gauteng Premier, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the MEC for Economic Development, and the mayor of Ekurhuleni.

Business leaders are also asking to meet directly with the mayor to discuss long-term solutions and provide clarity on plans to address the electricity challenges.

“We must act to protect jobs and secure the future of hundreds of employees,” Msimanga said.

Germiston City News contacted the mayor’s office for comment on March 11 but had not received a response at the time of going to print on March 15.