City of Tshwane taking action to manage electricity crisis

The City of Tshwane, and indeed the country at large, is struggling with load-shedding and heavy summer rains which are causing massive challenges for our electricity network. These electricity outages are not unique to Tshwane, as other metropolitan cities are also experiencing the same challenges with load-shedding and heavy rainfall that result in numerous electrical faults.

We are aware that residents are currently experiencing extended outages and we sincerely apologise for this. This is uncharted territory for the City as we have never experienced such high levels of damage to our electricity infrastructure, nor such difficult wet weather conditions which make it extremely challenging to do repair work.

The reality on the ground is that we cannot test a cable and repair it when the power is out due to load-shedding. Adding to the problem, electricity infrastructure in waterlogged ground also becomes very dangerous. All these challenges combined lead to prolonged power outages.

Additionally, we are experiencing heightened crime, with vandalism and theft costing millions of rand of unbudgeted damage, which is straining our budget for the year.

It needs to be said that as long as load-shedding continues, the City’s infrastructure is under threat. Summer rains just make a terrible situation worse. This is not business as usual.

I would like to sincerely apologise to residents once again for prolonged outages during this period. Our teams are committed and will work throughout the festive season to manage this crisis as best as we possibly can.