City Power disconnects flats in Riverpark

The Citizen

2 days ago

Tensions flared in Alexandra on July 2, after City Power carried out its cut-off operation targeting a block of flats in Riverpark that are illegally connected to the utility's mini substations.
The utility's general manager in the Department of Public Relations and Communications Isaac Mangena said the area poses a significant threat to the stability of the electricity network due to illegal connections.
Read more: City Power embarks on yet another disconnection operation in Alexandra
'These illegal connections not only overload infrastructure but also lead to frequent power outages and pose significant fire and safety risks.'
Mangena said they have already disconnected most of their main supplies. 'They are connected at two points and those points have all been disconnected.'
Although the operation was not met with as much opposition as their previous operation, which ultimately led City Power to withdraw and cut-off electricity supply to the whole area of Riverpark, it still left some residents fuming.
Resident Nancy Ramashala stressed that when it comes to getting access to electricity, the utility should not discriminate against them because they also suffer during winter. 'We demand electricity. We have built houses here. We want to buy electricity, give us our electricity. We are also people, we have hearts and we breathe, don't treat us like this, please.'
Another resident, Mojalefa Phekana, expressed that the disconnection will affect their children deeply. 'We have children, and our children are feeling the cold. Our children have to go to school, what are they going to bath with? Children cannot go to school without bathing. They are also studying. They cannot study using candles.'However, not every resident was livid about the operation, some residents, like Moirah Mahlase, lauded the utility for taking action against illegal connection in the area. 'I am so happy about this service that City Power has done today. Riverpark residents are happy that they will buy electricity with open hearts. No more izinyokanyoka [illegal connections].'
The utility noted they will continue carrying out targeted disconnections to ensure the safety of their infrastructure, and to reduce the risk illegal connections pose to life and property.
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