A damaged street pole in Lotus Street, Roodekrans, has remained unattended for about six months despite repeated reports to City Power.

According to resident Ronnie Breedt, who lives opposite the damaged pole, strong winds in December caused the structure to snap, leaving wires hanging at ground level.

 Breedt said he immediately reported the matter to City Power and, while awaiting a response, tied the wires up himself to allow vehicles – particularly heavy-duty trucks – to pass safely.

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He added that the damage also affected streetlights along the rest of the street.

The Roodepoort Record first reported on the issue in early April. At the time, City Power general manager for public relations and communications, Isaac Mangena, confirmed that a site visit had been conducted.

Mangena said delays were linked to the availability of specialised materials, including concrete poles, but assured residents that a team leader was arranging for an external service provider to assist with securing and installing a replacement pole.

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A few weeks later, the Record followed up with Breedt to determine whether progress had been made. He said only a wooden pole had since been installed.

Mangena later clarified that the wooden pole visible on site does not belong to City Power and is unrelated to its electricity infrastructure. According to him, it belongs to a separate fibre network service provider, confirming that no repairs had yet been carried out on the damaged pole.

“The restoration of public lighting has been delayed due to a combination of operational and environmental challenges that have affected the repair programme,” said Mangena.

He explained that sourcing a specialised replacement pole – which is not a standard stock item and has limited supplier availability – has contributed to the delays.

Mangena added that the infrastructure is located in an area experiencing frequent theft and vandalism, resulting in repeated damage to electrical components and, in some cases, damage to City Power vehicles and equipment deployed for repairs.

“This has complicated access and continuity of work on site. Adverse weather conditions, including persistent rainfall, have further delayed implementation by affecting excavation work, access to underground cable routes, and the stability of structural components required for safe pole installation,” he said.

Mangena said no confirmed completion date has yet been provided by the service provider.

However, he added that the Service Delivery Centre is closely monitoring the matter and is working to minimise delays and fast-track completion of the repairs.