Residents block roads over electricity cuts, demand solutions

Frustrated Slovo Park residents took to the streets of Springs to protest against the ongoing lack of electricity supply on the evening of July 22.

The demonstrators blocked Welgedacht Road with burning tyres and rocks, while some stoned passing vehicles. Community leader Themba Ndimande confirmed to the Springs Advertiser that many homes in the area were illegally connected, and that the CoE’s Energy Department was informed as far back as four years ago, but implemented no lasting solutions.

He added, “The electricity boxes on the poles are wide open. We told the department that as long as they remain open, we can’t control the illegal connections. We also asked them to come and remove these illegal connections, but nothing has been done.”

Ndimande said the roots of illegal connections lay in financial hardship, with many residents unable to buy electricity due to blocked meters.

“We asked for help to unblock residents’ meters and assist them with the Indigent Programme, so they can pay for water and electricity,” he said.

He also highlighted the ineffectiveness of repairs. People logged their problems, and the metro sent workers to fix them. However, there was no power after just 30 minutes, and the workers never returned.

This was not the first protest by the residents. According to Ndimande, they took to the streets two months ago, submitting a memorandum and petition to the mayor’s office.

“Someone from the mayor’s office came, but no feedback has been given. People now want answers. People now want the response to those things. We were promised that someone would come to give feedback, but no one came,” said Ndimande.

Ndimande said more homes in the area face disconnections, deepening residents’ frustration. Ward Clr Charmaine Kock told the Springs Advertiser there were several meetings between the Energy Department and community leaders.

There was a request to disconnect the illegal connections because they put tremendous strain on the transformers, which was why some streets had no power.

“Some homes have built additional rooms and rent them out. These rooms are connected to the main house via extension cords. Residents were advised to apply for three-phase power, but they did not,” said Kock.

She added that the bigger issue is that many residents do not pay their bills, resulting in blocked meters, and that despite having access to the Indigent and Debt Relief programmes, most had not applied. Instead, they’re illegally connecting to the grid, which only worsens the situation.