Latest news with #DepartmentofPublicRelationsandCommunications
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- The Citizen
City Power disconnects flats in Riverpark
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. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
City Power plans to give 5 Alexandra informal settlements formal access to electricity
City Power reveals that five informal settlements in Alexandra will benefit from the city's plans to give informal settlements formal access to electricity. During the Johannesburg State of the City Address on May 7, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero reaffirmed the city's commitment to providing informal settlements with legal electricity access, announcing a R296m allocation to connect communities to the grid. Read more: Technicians held hostage as Vezinyawo residents demand electricity Morero explained that: 'The initiative will provide safe and legal electricity access to thousands of households, integrating them into the urban energy system and laying the groundwork for service upgrades and formalisation,' According to City Power's general manager in the Department of Public Relations and Communications Isaac Mangena, five informal settlements in Alexandra are set to benefit from the city's informal settlement electrification plan, including Alex Ward 107 informal settlement, Iphutheng School informal settlement, Triangle informal settlement, Vukani informal settlement, and Vezinyawo. 'The City of Johannesburg's Department of Human Settlements develops an upgrade of informal settlements programme (UISP) business plan for each financial year. This business plan will inform which informal settlements will be electrified, and the number of dwellings that will be provided with electrical services,' Mangena noted. Also read: City Power warns customers of call centre downtime Last month, City Power conducted a cut-off operation in Greenville informal settlement, noting that the area has been identified as a hotspot for illegal connections. In 2024, City Power confiscated over 10 000kg of illegally connected cables, a figure that doubled to 20 000kg by 2025. However, Greenville did not feature on the list of informal settlements suitable for electrification. 'It is important to note that not all areas currently occupied by residents are suitable for electrification, or even residential habitation. Several of these locations are established on land that is either unsafe, not zoned for residential use, or lacks the necessary bulk infrastructure to connect to the grid,' Mangena stated. He explained that when assessing the suitability of an informal settlement for electrification, they consider land use policies, safety standards, and technical feasibility. The utility reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to electricity, even in informal settlements, but, Mangena noted that it should be: 'Pursued in a structured, co-ordinated manner that ensures safety, sustainability, and long-term viability.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: 63 illegal connections disconnected by City Power At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
