Thugs stall power repairs

THREATS against city staff and contractors have left communities like Cato Crest without power for a week as electricians fear for their lives.

Cato Crest residents blockaded the King Cetshwayo (Jan Smuts) Highway and Vusi Mzimela Road intersection with burning tyres and debris yesterday, complaining about the lack of electricity.

On Monday night, they blockaded part of the intersection up to Buro Crescent. Traffic had to be redirected, and some motorists reported being intimidated by the protesters.

Yesterday, police were stationed at the intersection to calm the situation as the residents threatened to damage passing vehicles if electricity was not restored by sunset.

The area has trouble with electricity supply and often has power outages.

Last week, the eThekwini Municipality said it had beefed up security to accompany the contractors when they went to work in the area, where their lives were in danger.

However, the ward councillor Mzi Ngiba said the problem had not been resolved as the contractors were still afraid to leave the depot.

Ngiba said he was trying to get contractors to come to the area, but was finding it difficult, as the few who were working had their hands full.

The services affected included electricity, water, housing, roads and stormwater maintenance. A group known as Amadelangokubona is said to be behind the intimidation and threats against contractors. They complain that they have been sidelined in the tender process.

City spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa said eThekwini was concerned about the prolonged disruption of services and the effect it had had on the daily lives of residents. She said there were other areas which had no water as a result of the disruption.

“The water shortage in parts of the city is not affected by the drought but is due to power outages. When there is no electricity, water-pump stations do not function, which results in reservoirs not filling up. The city leadership, staff, contractors and aggrieved parties are working together to ensure we can restore… essential services,” she said.