Slovo Park residents protest over five-month power outage
Slovo Park residents have taken their fight for electricity to the Springs energy department for the second time, saying they have endured five months without power and little action from officials.
Slovo Park – Frustrated residents have once again taken to the streets over an ongoing electricity crisis, protesting outside the Springs electricity and energy department on August 12.
The community, enduring a five-month power outage, braved the hot weather to demand answers. This was their second protest in recent weeks, following a demonstration on the evening of July 22.
Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, resident Rose Skhosana said the community was tired of the lack of progress. According to her, the transformers in the area have not been serviced since 1997.
She added that despite engaging with the electricity and energy department, no meaningful response had been received.
“The energy department, the City of Ekurhuleni’s customer care centres and our ward councillor are failing us. There is no service delivery in our area and it has been years. We are blocked from getting electricity unless we pay tens of thousands of rand, which we do not have,” said Skhosana.
She explained that almost the entire area is without power, with only limited connections available. Some residents who rely on oxygen machines are particularly struggling.
A small group, including resident Themba Ndimande, went inside the department to speak on behalf of the community.
Following the meeting, planning engineer Kwena Lekezwa, revenue department chief technician Elizabeth Mojela, and senior operations officer in LV maintenance, Patricia Motsoko, addressed those waiting outside.
Lekelezwa told the crowd that significant work was needed before electricity could be restored. She said the transformer removed from the area must first be repaired and that technicians would need to remove all illegal connections before installing a new one.
“We will come to the area on Thursday and fix what is needed and what is damaged, but it will take time and requires a budget,” said Lekezwa.
Despite the lengthy discussions, residents were left dissatisfied. One community member, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “The energy department always promises to come and fix the problems, but nothing happens.
“We have been waiting for months and are told to wait again. We spent the cold winter without heat while they were warm in their homes and offices.”
Comment from the City of Ekurhuleni is awaited.
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