Residents in parts of Chatsworth, South Africa, are experiencing prolonged power outages, disrupting households and affecting Grade 12 pupils' studies during the exam period. The outages have been reported in areas including Lilac Road and Dandelion, Ghats Street Flats, Table Mountain Flats, and Parvati Place. The eThekwini municipality is investigating possible causes, including fuse, cable, and weather-related faults. A cable supplying electricity to Ghats Street Flats was undergoing repairs.
Ward 71 councillor Ramona Valayathan has attributed the power outages in some areas, including Crossmoor and Shallcross, to drug addicts. However, the eThekwini municipality is still investigating the causes of the outages. Valayathan mentioned that heavy rains have added to the woes, often affecting the power supply. She has escalated the issue to the electricity department, and a fault-finding team has been dispatched to investigate and identify the cause of the outage.
According to Valayathan, if the fault is fuse-related, the team will attend to the replacement. However, if the replacement fuse trips again, it may indicate a cable fault, and the matter will be referred to the relevant depot team for further investigation and repairs. Teams have been deployed to the Table Mountain Flats, and residents are advised that the fault has not yet been formally transferred to the depot.
Chatsworth community activist Derrick Govender stated that the electricity outages are causing significant problems for residents. The long outages are resulting in food spoilage and leaving residents in the dark at night. Govender also highlighted that pupils are struggling with their studies due to the ongoing outages, particularly during the exam period.
Govender mentioned that pupils are facing challenges studying by candlelight, as rechargeable lights do not last long. If the outages persist for more than three or four hours, the rechargeable lights will not be effective. The biggest concern is for Grade 12 pupils who are currently writing exams and are forced to study in difficult conditions.
eThekwini communications Media Relations Officer, Luthando Ngubane, stated that the City has noted the issue and will respond in due course. The municipality is working to resolve the issue, but a timeline for restoration of power has not been provided. Residents are advised to report any further outages to the relevant authorities.
The power outages have significant implications for the affected communities, particularly during the exam period. The eThekwini municipality's efforts to investigate and resolve the issue are ongoing. Residents are hopeful that the issue will be addressed promptly to minimize further disruptions to their daily lives and the studies of Grade 12 pupils.
Key points
- Prolonged power outages in Chatsworth, South Africa, affect households and Grade 12 pupils' studies during exam period.
