THREE RIVERS – Residents of Three Rivers, a relatively affluent area that contributes around R40–41 million a year in property taxes to the Emfuleni Local Municipality, have been experiencing constant power outages since this past weekend.

The issue is especially notable given that Midvaal Private Hospital in Three Rivers recently invested in a massive solar and battery system to protect itself from crippling power failures on the municipal grid — an effort aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power for critical healthcare services.

Ward councillor Dalene Venter said she has been in touch with the municipality’s electrical manager, who is following up with the operational team, but could not provide a reason for the outages or a timeframe for restoration. “Areas without electricity are the same as every time. I keep following up for answers,” Venter said.

Although schools are closed for the December holidays, residents say the outages are affecting households and local businesses, with little feedback or clarity from the municipality, disrupting daily routines and operations. Venter promised to share updates with residents as soon as they become available.