Batavia substation chaos explained

Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) has provided some answers regarding power outages which left several areas in town in the dark recently.

According to the municipality’s Energy Services Department, the power outage experienced in Quellerie Park, Wildtuin Park, Oatlands and Heritage Manor late in November was a result of electric cable theft at the Batavia substation. This then led to residents being without electricity for a few days leaving many frustrated and questioning the state of service delivery.

According to the 2022/ 23 financial year report, MCLM confirmed the collection rate for services was 88% while the target was 91%. At the end of the first quarter of the current financial year, Mogale City’s collection rate for services dropped to 75%.

MCLM communication officer Refilwe Mahlangu stated that the drop in the revenue collection rate for services is largely due to the unfavorable economic conditions in the country as well as rising interest rates and the inflation rate.

This also brings in a much broader issue concerning the vandalism of the city’s public infrastructure.

Councillor Amy Steyn added that another reason for the prolonged electricity outage was also due to the municipality not being up to date with their payments. At about 16:20 on November 29, Steyn confirmed that payment was made and the electricity was restored.

The News can also confirm that the municipality did eventually attend to and address the issue on November 29 as the municipal technical team was seen on that day to resolve the problem. However, the burning question for residents is whether will this become a constant problem in the future.

The Krugersdorp News approached the municipality as well as the MMC for Utility Management Services, Peter Modise, for comment however, no feedback was given before the time of print.

This leaves the public without any certainty about what is happening with service delivery.