The power outages that Benoni residents in the Ekurhuleni Metro have had to endure over the past four days are unacceptable and prove that the Metro is buckling under maladministration.
Several residential areas had no power since 23 and 24 January, respectively, until supply was eventually restored on 27 January. Barely three hours later, residents were once again left stranded without power.
The affected areas include Rynfield, Northmead, Mackenzie Park, Rynsoord, New Modder, Western Extension and Benoni’s central business district.
The situation points to the general collapse of infrastructure, which had been hastily repaired over the years without proper maintenance ever being done on the electricity network.
The consequence is that residents and businesses are not provided with basic services, with serious repercussions.
The administration and Metro frequently cite cable theft as the cause of the power outages. Even though cable theft is a reality, it does not excuse poor governance, inadequate infrastructure security and a lack of long-term solutions.
Benoni residents are increasingly plagued by organised syndicates, but the Metro fails to take decisive action.
In a letter to the City Manager, Kagiso Lerutla, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) requested an explanation of the actual causes of the daily power outages in Benoni, what steps are being taken to sustainably repair infrastructure and how cable theft will be combated.
Residents deserve reliable service delivery, safety and security, and honest communication.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressuring for clear answers and viable solutions.
