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City Vows to Resolve Germiston’s Power Crisis
The power crisis in Germiston has reached a critical point in recent months, leaving residents with scarce electricity availability.
Power outages lasting a week or even two have become the norm, amplifying residents’ frustrations due to the lack of communication from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE).
Residents have reported instances where contractors refuse to work overtime, resulting in unfinished jobs before departure.
In response to an inquiry from GCN regarding the energy issue and plans for a stable power supply, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini cited multiple factors contributing to the persistent power outages.
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Dlamini explained that Germiston’s extensive electricity network, ageing infrastructure, load-shedding, theft, vandalism, and overloading due to illegal connections and tampering all contribute to the outages.
Dlamini assured residents that the city is trying to address the power outages. Each outage presents its own set of technical challenges, prompting the city to respond swiftly to restore supply. Deteriorating circuits are being considered for refurbishment, and collaborations with the EMPD, SAPS, and other stakeholders facilitate the frequent removal of illegal connections.
Regarding overtime, Dlamini clarified that contractors are engaged on an as-needed basis when in-house staff capacity is insufficient to handle incidents. Internal staff members face limitations imposed by the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act regarding overtime. Standby teams work rotationally to address tasks outside of normal working hours. Contractors are remunerated in accordance with approved contracts, contingent upon work verification and invoice approval adhering to the city’s supply chain management processes.
Efforts are underway to tackle the backlog of cable faults in the Germiston area, with internal staff and appointed service providers working diligently to alleviate the power issue.
To stay informed, Dlamini urged residents to regularly check digital platforms, call centres, and media alerts for updates on power outages. The city consistently provides updates to keep residents informed of progress.
The Germiston power crisis remains a pressing concern, but the City of Ekurhuleni is actively addressing the challenges and striving to restore a stable electricity supply to the area.
Source: City promises to end power crisis in Germiston
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Photo: Supplied by Germiston City News
