There is an electricity crisis?

There is an energy crisis, but it would seem the Newcastle Municipality is unaware as street lights are switched on well before sunset.

This is the view of DA Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Dr Imraan Keeka.

Driving through town, Dr Keeka was astonished to find that Newcastle’s streetlights were switched on from as early as 5.30pm in many areas.

“I’m not sure if this is an oversight in the managerial side of the municipality, but it must stop. It is an utter waste of electricity, especially in a time when nationally consumers are feeling the electricity crisis ‘pinch’,” said Dr Keeka.

Recently the DA made a daring ploy to ‘explain’ who was to blame for the energy crisis by commissioning an advert in reading, “Load-shedding. Proudly brought to you by the ANC.”

This sign made waves nationally and Dr Keeka has reiterated his party’s belief that seemingly mismanagement was just one of the reasons that have led the country to this point.

Strategic Executive Director of Electrical Services, Lindile Zincume defended the municipality against the claim of mismanagement.

“The municipality has two ways of controlling streetlights. The primary controller is the day night switch, which is based on light and times would vary depending on weather conditions.”

He explained the second way streetlights were controlled was via a timer.

This timer is from the electricity control room and only works if the day-night switch fails.

“The timer is programmed with the estimated times for sunrise and sunset for Newcastle. It therefore can happen that lights come on while there is still light,” he said.

Furthermore, there is a possibility that in certain sections a fault could occur resulting in a malfunction in the system, which switches the lights on.

One of the key manners in which this can be addressed is via the community.

Mr Zincume requested community members to report these isolated incidents to the municipality.

Lights may also be found burning during daylight hours during maintenance and repairs.

“Should the community observe that there are lights on without any work being done they are requested to report these incidents to the department on 034 312 1296,” requested Mr Zincume.