Power woes in Wheatlands: ‘It’s been 33 days’

Residents of Wheatlands have been struggling without power for the past 33 days and counting.

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Resident Hannelie Coetzee explained that their power first went off on February 2 during a storm. The power in her house then came on, but the power in her domestic worker’s house, who lives on the same plot, did not return. Coetzee claimed that Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) came to look at the issue, however, while they were busy at the transformer, something happened, and all the power on the plot went out.

Since then a kind neighbour has helped them do laundry and use their fridge. Further, her grandchild of three years old has to be regularly nebulised as she is sick, for which they also need their neighbours’ help.

We are disrupting our neighbours. The power being off also causes a massive expense for us.

“We have to buy ice to keep milk cold and we also constantly have to buy food,” said Coetzee.

Ward 3 councillor Alwyn van Tonder confirmed there are two plots of which the transformer needs to be replaced.

“The municipality has ordered pole transformers but is still waiting for delivery. I spoke to the manager at the electrical department on March 12 and they cannot yet confirm when the transformers will be delivered. The electrical department also investigated the possibility of temporarily supplying electricity from another transformer, but this was not technically possible.”

Coetzee further mentioned they don’t receive regular feedback from Van Tonder regarding the power, to which he replied he has provided feedback on several occasions, which was received from the acting manager of the electrical department.

Coetzee continued that this was, however, not the first time they had trouble with power. In the past, the power cable in the transformer was stolen and Coetzee stated she was informed by the municipal workers to buy her own cable. She then bought her own cable, which was put in and a week later it was stolen again.

Coetzee mentioned another instance where her grandchild was electrocuted when she opened the outdoor water tap. Coetzee paid a private electrician twice to look at the fault after she was informed by municipal workers that the fault was due to her solar pump. After the second inspection by the electrician, who confirmed the fault was at the transformer, the municipal workers found a burnt wire leading into a cable in the transformer.

Aside from the power, they also have trouble with the road that has many potholes, which Coetzee explained can’t be seen when it rains. Her son-in-law has lost two tyres due to potholes he couldn’t see.

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She mentioned there are elderly residents as well as children making use of the road and expressed her concern for their safety. She questioned whether speed humps and proper stop signs can be put in.

Enough is enough, we cannot go on like this. I’ve lived here my whole life and the road has never looked this bad,” said Coetzee.

Van Tonder noted that all the dirt roads on the plots urgently need grading but unfortunately, Randfontein’s road graders are broken.

“There is a standing request to grade the roads in Wheatlands as well as the other areas in my ward.”

He added on March 4 that another request was put in to grade the roads.

RWCLM was approached for comment, however, none has been received at the time of print. As soon as feedback is received, an update will be provided.