VEREENIGING – Parts of Duncanville have been without electricity for almost three weeks, a situation causing major disruption and bringing welfare institutions to a standstill.

According to community activist Nelmarie Ruysch, the power went out in mid-October and has still not been restored, despite Emfuleni’s technicians having been on site several times.

The power outage affects not only residents but also essential services such as LifeLine Vaal and the Sedibeng Children’s Haven, both of which rely on electricity to do their work.

Tina Grobbelaar, manager of Sedibeng Children’s Haven, says the centre has been without power since 19 October. “We’re now boiling pots of water to make baths for 13 children. The holes they’ve dug and left open are dangerous; a child could easily fall in,” she said. The children’s home, which cares for children aged 3 to 13, uses limited solar power and depends on help from the community.

At LifeLine Vaal, centre and financial manager Shirley Hughes describes the situation as “a real struggle.” “Our Wi-Fi, phones, and fridges don’t work. We can’t send reports or receive calls. Our hands are tied,” she said.

Emfuleni Local Municipality confirmed on Thursday that a 20 MVA transformer at the Duncanville substation had been switched off “to prevent further damage.” No timeframe for restoration has yet been given.

By Thursday afternoon, Arcon Park, Duncanville, and parts of Unitaspark were still without power. “Now everyone’s electricity is off,” said Ruysch. “The old age home, the children’s home, LifeLine – everyone’s sitting without power.”

By printing time, Emfuleni had not yet responded to Vaalweekblad’s specific inquiries.