To say that residents of Ward 61, including Laudium and Erasmia are ‘gatvol’ with the ongoing power outages in the area, would certainly be an understatement.
The power outages in the area have been going on for months now, with the Council seemingly addressing the symptoms and not the cause of the ongoing problem. Residents have certainly been extremely patient, tolerant, law-abiding and dignified thus far, especially taking into consideration the added woes of loadshedding, affecting their normal day to day activities, even affecting learners busy with exams at this time. However, social media posts this past week show that residents are indeed reaching the end of their tether. This past Tuesday saw, once again, a lawyer’s letter sent on behalf of a number of local organizations to the Tshwane Mayor and his top management team, demanding amongst others, an end to the ongoing power outages. The office of the Mayor, however, did not give the undertaking sought, by the deadline date. Our Ward Councillor and the two PR Councillors in the area, are seemingly also in the dark as to the exact cause of the continuous power outages.
Whilst every effort to resolve the ongoing power outage problem in Ward 61 is welcome, the Laudium Sun believes the time has come for stronger action to be taken. We have thus consulted with Mahier Tayob and Naeem Essop of the Tayfin Group, to approach the Public Protector (PP) for a full investigation and hopefully a solution to the problem. We believe that the investigation should include, inter alia;
1). Did the Council consider the basic human rights of the community during these ongoing power outages?
2). Has an investigation been carried out by the Council or the police, as to who the perpetrators are, carrying out these criminal activities. If not, why not.
3). Has the Council laid any criminal charges with the SAPS, concerning the ongoing cable thefts and damages to the various electrical boxes? If not why not, if yes what is the outcome of the police investigation?
4). Has the Council carried out any internal investigations or an assessment on the causes of these continuous outages? If yes, what was the outcome, if not, why not?
5). Why has the Council not adequately addressed previous petitions or complaints sent by the community, concerning the outages and other matters?
6). From who is the material and equipment required each time for repairs, bought, and is it subject to a tender?
7). Do Council officials working normal shifts receive overtime pay each time they carry out repairs after hours, or is it carried out by the next shift or night shift on duty?
8). How much money was spent by Council over the past six months for overtime and replacement of electrical cables and equipment in Ward 61?
9). What effect do the illegal connections have on these outages and how is the Council addressing it in the Ward?
10). Is the electricity network in the area due for an overall upgrade? If yes how long was it due or overdue and when does the Council intend upgrading the network?
11). Does the current electricity network in Ward 61 meet all safety and other standard requirements and is it sufficient to service the population in the area?
12). Has a comparative study been done with neighbouring Wards, such as Eldoraigne or Valhalla, concerning the frequency of power outages?
Mahier told the Laudium Sun, “We shall adhere to your instruction and proceed to register your complaint, as the Public Protector’s office is Constitutionally enshrined to investigate your complaint.”
Mahier added, “The mandate of the Public Protector focuses on strengthening democracy by ensuring that all state organs are accountable, fair and responsive in the way they treat all persons and deliver services. The mandate includes ensuring integrity and general good governance in the management of public resources. The Constitution requires the Public Protector to investigate all complaints or allegations of improper conduct by public officials and public office bearers and to take remedial action. Additional powers include conciliation, mediation and negotiation.”
