VANDERBIJLPARK – Dozens of Bedworth Park residents have once again taken to the streets in a protest over power cuts.

Furious protesters claimed the area had been without power since the start of the week (January 6).

On Thursday morning, scores barricaded the Ascot On Vaal Road with burning tyres, rocks and debris to raise their grievances and demand answers from the municipality.

Several roads leading to the area were at a standstill as vehicles were turned away from entering and exiting the tight-knit suburb.

Speaking to Ster in anonymity fearing victimisation, a resident said: “We took to the streets because we feel undermined. We are paying for rates and taxes, however, we have been without electricity for days without any explanation.”

“The councillor is aware of the crisis but doesn’t bother to come to the people and explain what seems to be the problem,” he said.

While Public Order Police was deployed in the area to monitor the situation, residents demanded to be addressed by the councillor before allowing traffic flow.

Attending the demonstrating crowds, ward councillor Edward von Bodenstein said he was abreast with the electricity headache.

“I came to address you because I’m fully aware of the electricity problem. I’ve tried to engage the municipality on the matter, however, I was taken pillar to post. When engaging the municipal manager, I was redirected to the COO of the municipality,” he explained.

According to Von Bodenstein fault finding was done at one of the substations and operations were underway.
Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed there was a cable fault that was discovered on January 6.

“Due to the rain, it could not be tested for fault location. When the rain eventually stopped it was tested and repaired but once that was done it was discovered that there were more faults. There has been a delay in fault finding due to the protest,” he said.

According to Sangweni, technicians eventually gained access to the substation.