The situation has escalated to the point where households and local businesses have suffered substantial damage due to constant power cuts, and many are now calling for urgent action from the local municipality.

Masilonyana Municipality recently sent out a communication to inform residents and businesses that they were aware of the ongoing electrical faults in the area. The municipality explained repairs were being delayed due to the malfunctioning of their aerial lift (also known as a cherry picker truck), which is necessary for repairing power lines. 

Services involving the lift have been suspended until the equipment is back in operation, further exacerbating the ongoing power crisis.

‘It has affected us greatly’

Speaking to OFM News, Lindi Molahloe, a resident of Piet Retief Street, shared the challenges her family has been facing since the power supply was cut off over a week ago.

"It’s been eight days without power, and it has affected us greatly," Molahloe said. The lack of electricity has led to several household appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves, and decoders, being damaged. Molahloe also stated the family had to dispose of spoiled food, including meat, as it went bad without refrigeration.

Molahloe said it also has a severe impact on her health. As someone with asthma, she relies on a machine that requires power to operate, but she is currently unable to use it due to the lack of electricity.

“I have a child that I need to boil water for, and we have no power to do that." Molahloe is also caring for an elderly woman who requires insulin injections that need to be stored in a refrigerator. 

Desperation grew as Molahloe described her efforts to seek assistance.

"We even called our councillor, who is the speaker, last Tuesday. She promised the electricity would be restored by Wednesday, but nothing changed. Municipal workers came on Thursday to begin repairs, but they told us on Friday that the truck they were using was needed in Brandfort."  

Local businesses, especially those relying on refrigeration, have also been hit hard. Wim Jacobs, a butcher, shared the significant financial losses he has faced due to the persistent power failure.

‘I had to throw away tons of meat’

"I’ve put up a few solar panels, but they are not enough to run a business. I’ve lost thousands of rand and at one point I had to throw away tons of meat." 

Jacobs said he documented his losses with photos and sent them to the municipality, hoping for a resolution but nothing was done.

"I just hope they can get people who can actually do the work and fix this issue," Jacobs said.

Masilonyana residents have also been grappling with water shortages, which have been an ongoing issue for several years. Molahloe said the situation is dire as the water supply in their area has also been off for days.

OFM News has sent an inquiry to Masilonyana.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg