Residents across parts of eThekwini have been left frustrated by prolonged power outages as the Municipality battles a high number of electricity faults across the city.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the eThekwini Municipality’s Electricity and Energy Directorate confirmed that it is attending to a significant number of power outages affecting various communities. The City said additional technical teams have been deployed and are working around the clock to restore electricity supply as quickly and safely as possible.
The Municipality warned that restoration times may be longer than usual due to the volume of reported faults, while urging residents to remain patient as technicians continue with repair work.
Ward 32 Councillor Fran Christopher said some residents in her ward had been without electricity for extended periods.
Christopher said residents in Alpha Crescent had been without power for approximately 48 hours, while one block of flats in York Avenue had also been left in the dark for more than 24 hours.
“Our residents are understandably frustrated as many have now gone without electricity for days. We are in constant communication with the Electricity Department and are hoping power will be restored as soon as possible,” said Christopher.
Ward 31 Councillor Remona McKenzie said only one block of flats in Chancellor Road had been affected in her ward.
“Only one block of flats in Chancellor Road has been without electricity for the past two days. We have reported the matter and are monitoring progress with the Municipality,” said McKenzie.
Newlands DA Councillor Allan Peterson said residents in several northern areas are experiencing recurring outages, with many blaming ageing infrastructure and illegal electricity connections.
Peterson said residents in Rajkumars, off Edmundsbury Street in Ward 61, experience power outages almost daily due to illegal electricity connections.
“Ratepayers are fuming because these outages have become a daily occurrence. Illegal connections continue to place immense strain on the network, leaving paying residents without electricity,” said Peterson.
He added that residents in Redcliffe, Dawncrest and Oaklands in Wards 59, 60 and 106 also experience weekly outages, which he attributed to ageing infrastructure and repeated grid failures.
Meanwhile, in Ward 26, no electricity outages had been reported. PR Councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker confirmed that her area had not experienced any power supply issues.
The Municipality has encouraged residents to report faults and monitor the status of outages through its online electricity faults portal while repair teams continue working across the city.
