DA plans peaceful march to eThekwini electricity headquarters to submit a memorandum

DURBAN - THE Democratic Alliance KwaZulu-Natal leader, Francois Rodgers, will be joined by the DA eThekwini caucus leader, councillor Nicole Graham, to lead a peaceful march to the eThekwini electricity headquarters to deliver a memorandum to the department on Friday.

“This department is on the brink of collapse, from a dysfunctional billing system to their call centre where people have to wait long periods until they can log their queries. Even after they have logged their queries, they still have to wait for hours due to the shortage of equipment and human capacity,” said Rodgers.

“Our streets have become havens of crime due to faulty and non-working street lights. Enough is enough. We need a complete overhaul of the department in order for us to see change in eThekwini.”

A number of areas, including Tiger Park and Way Park in Phoenix, were affected by electricity outages which have caused frustration to the residents. Reportedly, power has been on and off since last week Wednesday for some of these areas.

Phoenix councillor Maggie Johnson said that she is well aware of the problem and has escalated the matter to the highest level to the eThekwini Municipality.

“I have sent a list of all references of the areas that are affected as requested by the municipality. The Electricity Department is investigating the frequency of the outages and the cause of the problem, whether it is due to cable damage or because of being linked to Zwelisha and Ottawa,” said Johnson.

Tiger Park residents expressed frustration about the matter and were unhappy that they were told to be patient since help is under way, but the help is taking too long.

“We have been affected very badly by the power outages. On Monday September 13, we did not have electricity from 1am until around 6pm then it went off again at 9pm. As of today (Wednesday), September 15, we still do not have electricity. I have a disabled father-in-law. He had a stroke, so he does not understand why we have no electricity and water. He must have his meals on time and his bath. This is affecting everyone,” said Keshni Ramdeo, Tiger Park resident.

The Daily News is yet to hear from the municipality having sent a media query pertaining to the matter.

Daily News