It is believed that the outage was caused by a transformer fire in Redhill. Durban North was plunged into darkness for three hours and affected restaurants just as they were gearing up for their evening sittings.
Northwood Boys’ High School had to cancel its production, which I was scheduled to attend at 7pm.
It is regrettable that this outage took place when it did and certainly businesses in the area did suffer finically. I have requested a report from the electricity department surrounding the circumstances of the outage.
Durban North this year has been plagued by blackouts and we can not have such a situation happening.
The Democratic Alliance put a motion to council, which would see a surcharge insurance be paid by each customer, which in the event of a power outage would allow consumers to claim for financial loss.
However this recommendation has not been acted on leaving residents and businesses poorer for it.
Dean Macpherson
Ward councillor, Durban North
