Prevalent power problems
Couple unhappy over three-year-long electricity issues.
About a week ago electricity went out between Hyperion Drive and Malibongwe Drive in North Riding, and residents Malcolm and Babs Mac Kinnon had to throw most of their food away.
The Mac Kinnon’s stay on an agricultural holding on Hyperion Drive and claimed they have had frequent power outages since 2010. ”I don’t know why this area is so bad,” said Babs. ”The last problem was because cables were above ground and they were stolen.”
Malcolm added, ”Maybe it is because of newer complexes. ‘There might not be enough power to go around. The outages are predominantly between Hyperion and Malibongwe.”
Cable theft only accounts for a small number of power outages in the area. According to the couple the greatest cause was the weather.
Babs said, ”When the first lightning strikes we say, ‘there goes the power’. Strong lightning or wind can take the power out.”
The Mac Kinnon’s electrical appliances also malfunction. Lights flicker, a preamplifier melted from the inside and their vacuum cleaner fluctuates in strength.
According to Malcolm when there was a power failure he often could not get through to the City Power call centre.
”That call centre is totally useless,” Malcolm said. “City Power does not keep records of their problems. Most times I can’t get through or they will say anything to get rid of me.”
Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana was instrumental in the restoration of power during the last power outage by following the matter up with City Power.
”I am not allowed to be the call centre,” Santana said. ”If residents continue having problems, and they have logged a reference number, then they can call me and I will escalate the issues. But they must follow due procedure.”
Details: Ward 115 Councillor Chris Santana 082 416 7714.
