Residents left in the dark as Rhodesfield power outage drags on
Residents are angry about the lack of communication from the municipality, noting that a similar incident occurred just weeks earlier.
Frustrated Rhodesfield residents marched to the Ekurhuleni Energy Department offices in Kempton Park today, December 17, following a prolonged power outage that has left the area without electricity since the morning of Sunday, December 14.
On arrival, residents met with the City of Ekurhuleni’s chief area engineer for Kempton Park, Zipho Khumalo, where they voiced concerns over the significant losses they suffered as a result of the outage, including spoiled food and disrupted daily life.
Community members expressed anger over what they described as a lack of communication from the municipality, noting that the outage followed closely after a similar incident just weeks earlier.
“About two weeks ago, we spent days, if not a full week, without electricity.
“Power was eventually restored, but now it’s off again and we’ve been without electricity for four days,” said Rhodesfield resident Ashika Singh Pillay.
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“The municipality does not take us seriously. There is no proper communication regarding this matter. It’s December, and we’ve had to throw away food, we did it two weeks ago and now we’re doing it again.
“There is no accurate information on when the power will be restored. It’s been too long. We need our power back.”
The Energy Department then contacted City of Ekurhuleni Ward 17 councillor, Simon Lapping, who later addressed the residents.
Lapping told the community that he had submitted approximately 15 reports regarding the outage but had received little response.
“The first report was sent around 09:00 on Sunday, and I received no communication at all. The first response from the Energy Department only came on Monday afternoon,” Lapping said.
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“All I want to know is whether a technician has been assigned and when power will be restored. It’s been far too long.
“Residents are throwing away food, and some elderly residents rely on oxygen machines, which makes this situation even more serious.”
At the time of publishing, residents remained at the department offices, insisting they would not leave until they received clear and accurate information regarding the restoration of electricity.
The Kempton Express sent an enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni regarding the situation.
Should feedback and comments be received it will form part of the follow-up reportage on the matter.
