22 hours and counting saw residents literally powerless last week Wednesday when parts of town were left without electricity. Together with heavy rains, the electricity went off at about midnight on Tuesday and only returned at about 22:00 on the Wednesday night.
Residents reached out on various WhatsApp groups, as well as Facebook, to get answers as to the reason for the power outage, but to no avail. No answers or communications on the municipality’s Facebook page were received. Some people ‘begged’ for answers, saying that ‘if the municipality would only communicate the reason for the outage, it would be easier to accept and wait it out’. Others referred to the many hours of silence and darkness. Councillor Elaine Rodway went the extra mile to finally get an explanation from the relevant department regarding the power outage, and posted the following on her WhatsApp group:
“Vandalism of municipal infrastructure is a criminal act. It not only undermines the efforts of those dedicated to providing basic services to the community, but also has a direct and adverse impact on consumers.
“The recent disruption to the electrical supply, as a result of vandalism at the Protea Noord Substation, has left some residents in the area of Smal, Park and Hlobane streets, as well as some surrounding areas, without power.
“While power has been restored in some of the above-mentioned areas, there are some areas that are still affected. The AbaQulusi Municipality electrical team is working tirelessly to restore power to all affected areas.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding in this regard.
“The community is urged to report vandalism of municipal infrastructure to the 080 020 1102 toll-free number at the AbaQulusi Municipality Call Centre or WhatsApp 063 407 3111. This crime affects us all.”
The Vryheid Herald requested an official statement the same day regarding the power outage, as well as electrical boxes that are not safely secured. The Herald also posed the question of a preventative plan in case of another lengthy power outage. Unfortunately, no response was received.

How to report faults to the municipality:

Posting it on Facebook is not the same as reporting it. Report faults to the Abaqulusi Municipality Call Centre. There is a 24-hour toll-free number that you can call to report faults: 080 020 1102.
There is also a WhatsApp number to which you can send reports via text in the following format (this is especially useful when there are power outages that affect the call centre too):
• Name and surname;
• Address/house number/pole number (depending on which area you are reporting for);
• Contact number (this is so that a reference number can be sent to your cellphone);
• Fault description.
The WhatsApp number is 063 407 3111.
If there is something that requires the attention of AbaQulusi Local Municipality, report it to these numbers.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.