Today, 3 May 2019, as promised last week, I revisited the community residing in Ward 129 Doornkop this afternoon, to provide them with feedback on my request for written reasons from Eskom as to why the provision of electricity there has been stopped.
The community has been without electricity for a period of six months and they claim not to have been given reasons by Eskom as why this is until to date.
This past Tuesday, I met with Eskom Gauteng representatives, representatives of the Community and Councillors from the City in order to resolve the issues pertaining to the lack of electricity in Ward 129 Doorkop where the state enterprise committed to attending this afternoon’s community meeting so as to outline how Eskom plans to resolve the community’s concerns.
Part of solution which was to be provided included Eskom repairing 3 transformers, which have allegedly resulted in persistent power disruptions in the area, and then conduct an audit of the infrastructure within the Community.
Unfortunately, Eskom not only saw fit to arrive late to the community engagement, a junior official, whom little understanding of the challenges in the community was deployed to attend to the matter.
Eskom was requested to arrive 30 minutes prior to the meeting in order to conduct a proper briefing with community leaders so to allow for a productive community meeting.
Eskom’s failure to adhere to this can only communicate disdain to the community of Doornkop.
Making matters worse, Eskom reported that only transformers had been repaired, contrary to the agreement reached on Tuesday.
Further, it is upsetting to realize that such a meeting with community members of Doornkop was deemed unimportant by Councilor Jabulani Thomo (Ward 129), who failed to pitch up. This is the second time said councillor has proven his disregard for the community. As an elected councillor, he must be held to account at all times.
Nevertheless, we cannot let this community – or any other within this municipality – wait any longer for attention and service delivery. I have written to the CEO of Eskom, requesting an explanation for Eskom’s inability to meet the full terms of the agreement reached the past Tuesday.
I hope to provide a further update on this matter imminently.
For media queries, please contact:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Media Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
Call: 076 171 5978
