The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) demands that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) take immediate action after a second high-voltage transmission tower collapsed in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha in less than a year.
One of the tower’s rusted beams collapsed on 4 May, causing a 24-hour power outage in the neighbourhoods of Summerstrand, South End, Walmer, Humewood and Miramar, among others.
Although the tower was temporarily repaired, a permanent solution to the problem needs to be found.
On 25 August 2024, four transmission towers in western Port Elizabeth collapsed due to rust damage and strong winds. It left thousands of homes and businesses without power for days on end.
Eskom was tasked with doing urgent repairs and the Metro undertook to replace the failing structures. It has not yet happened.
The Freedom Front Plus frequently asks the ANC/EFF coalition government to maintain and replace critical infrastructure.
This latest incident points to poor governance and political games.
The party sent a formal request to the acting City Manager, Mr Ted Pillay, to compile a comprehensive report on the condition of transmission towers in the Metro and the constant failure to deliver on promises to do the necessary maintenance.
The Freedom Front Plus also demands that the ANC Mayor, Ms Babalwa Lobishe, table a transparent and fully budgeted infrastructure maintenance plan to the Council.
These power outages have a much wider impact than the short-term inconvenience that residents have to endure. Household appliances are damaged, businesses lose revenue and investor confidence in the Metro is eroded.
The Freedom Front Plus demands immediate action. NMBM residents deserve more than empty promises and crisis management; they deserve reliable infrastructure as they pay for it with their hard-earned money.
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