Lack of co-ordination leaves Morningside Manor streets in the dark
Streetlight outages persist as Eskom disconnects power over City Power’s unpaid bills.
Months after Morningside Manor residents first reported widespread streetlight outages, the situation remains only partly resolved, and the root cause is more complicated than a few faulty bulbs.
According to Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan, the main issue lies in the disconnection of Eskom power boxes, which supply electricity to streetlights managed by City Power.
Read more: City Power announces Bryanston power interruption
She explained that these disconnections are due to non-payment by City Power, which still owes Eskom a significant debt. This debt is reportedly being repaid, through a mutually agreed repayment plan.
“This is particularly frustrating,” said Coogan, “because we are actively running an interactive streetlight drive in the ward, with residents, ward inspectors, and multiple team leaders working to identify faults and restore lights, but Eskom continues to disconnect power boxes that are linked to City Power infrastructure, and this sets us back.”
In Morningside Manor, one such Eskom power box has been disconnected for months.
While some streetlights have recently been restored, including those on Elza Lane, Judy Crescent, and most of Lynton Road, others remain off.
Coogan pointed out that four lights on Lynton Road, near Murray Avenue, and all the lights on Ridgeway Drive, within the boomed area, are still not working. “This issue has been logged and escalated with both City Power and Eskom, and letters have been sent to City Power officials, but until the outstanding payments are resolved, and proper co-ordination is restored, we will continue facing patchy lighting.”
Coogan also highlighted the broader impact of miscommunication between key entities, like City Power, Eskom, and the Health Department. “Clinics like Wendywood Clinic are still running on generators. We need direct lines of communication between these entities to deliver essential services reliably, especially in Eskom-powered areas.”
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