12 days without electricity, no light at the end of the tunnel

A group of residents from Sandy Glen in Allen’s Nek have been without power since September 22.

Theo Pretorius recounted that the morning of the 22nd they realised something was wrong when their power was not restored after their scheduled load-shedding around 2:00.

It was soon after that, that the residents saw their mini substation was vandalised, with many parts and components strewn around the box.

“They left nuts and bolts on the ground, many parts were left in a trail across the road. There was even some in the tree across the road!” exclaimed Pretorius.

The affected complex consists of 28 houses. Residents like Bob and Joyce Smith shared their concerns as they and many of their neighbours need electricity to power medical equipment like oxygen machines.

“Why is it taking so long for them to fix the mini-sub? Is there no way for them to give us an alternative source of power while we wait?” questioned Bob.

The residents have also noticed that many of the calls they have logged to City Power have been closed, stating that the power has been restored.

“We just want to know what City Power’s plan is?” stressed Shirley Wagner.

The general consensus of the group was that they are frustrated with the lack of communication and urgency displayed by both City Power and their ward councillor Leah Knott in this regard.

“She just said she does not influence the procurement process and said that she can’t help speed things along,” stated Pretorius.

On October 2, City Power released a statement stating that they have submitted an order for a new mini-sub and once material becomes available will be delivered to the site for installation. No estimated time of delivery or installation has been shared with the community.

The Northsider has reached out to City Power to find out if they have a plan of action in place to assist the community members affected, as well as whether or not they plan on providing an alternative power source while the mini-sub has been reinstated.

Knott shared comment that City Power does not have stock, and that there are numerous wards awaiting mini-subs.

“There is a backlog of approximately two weeks or more. They apparently can’t get them made as fast as they’re being vandalised,” she stated, “Sandy Glen mini-sub was vandalised after several others so it went to the back of the queue. I’ve been escalating daily and it’s apparently been ordered but they can’t give a delivery time. I did ask for a generator but they’re all in use in other areas so City Power can’t supply one.”

Knott added that she has shared forms where residents can apply to City Power to partner with them to protect their mini-subs.

“This is a citywide issue which load-shedding makes easier for criminals, but so far I’m not aware of anyone having applied in that area,” concluded Knott.

At the time of going to press, acknowledgement of the Northsider’s queries had been received, but no comment from City Power has been forthcoming. Once feedback has been received an update will follow.