Power outages devastate residents’ livelihoods in Amsterdam, Mkhondo

Issued by Irene Brussow – DA Caucus Leader in Mkhondo Local Municipality
06 Nov 2024 in Press Releases

The DA in Mkhondo has taken decisive action to address the ongoing power outages that have devastated the livelihoods of residents and businesses across the municipality. We have reached out to both Eskom and the municipality to demand accountability and a swift resolution to these disruptions.

Over the past few days, residents and businesses in Mkhondo have been subjected to power outages. It is alleged that the municipality’s faulty infrastructure is the main cause of these blackouts. Last night, angry community members demonstrated their frustrations in the streets by burning tyres.

The DA has since reached out to both Eskom and the municipality on the matter. While the latter is refusing to take accountability, Eskom maintains that the municipality is at fault.

It is concerning to note that without electricity the community suffered from food losses. To others, this has been costly as they have to acquire petrol for generators.

This goes to show that engagements between Eskom and the municipality have not benefited the community in any way. The DA reiterates that the municipality needs to conduct an audit to determine the severity of the faults that are in their electricity grid.

We believe that this assessment will help the municipality identify and replace damaged infrastructure. The municipality’s lethargic approach in attending to this matter is worrisome. 

Businesses and residents in Mkhondo have been subject to mediocre services from the ANC administration in this municipality. Residents cannot continue to suffer because of the municipality’s shortcomings.

It is high time that the municipality reaches an agreement with Eskom as residents deserve an accountable government that will prioritize their needs and endeavor to provide a consistent power supply.