The AfriForum branch in Vryheid on 16 May 2019 attended a meeting in Vryheid along with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and the AbaQulusi Local Municipality to discuss the regular power outages and poor maintenance on power lines. This follows after the branch submitted a complaint with Nersa in February this year regarding the critical consequences these power outages have on local businesses.
Nersa is currently auditing the aforementioned Municipality and doing inspections on those power lines that regularly cause problems. The final results of the audit, as well as the Municipality’s action plan will in due course be announced to the public. Nersa made assurances that they will hold the Municipality accountable without mitigation to address these issues.
“Power lines that cause problems on a weekly basis have vast economic implications for our businesses and cause major damage to electrical equipment. Unfortunately we had no other choice but to approach Nersa for assistance after several meetings with the Municipality did not provide any solutions,” says André van der Walt, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Vryheid branch.
“AfriForum appreciates Nersa’s involvement with these types of complaints, seeing as it is their legal duty to ensure that energy distributors adhere to their licence terms,” says Eugene van Aswegen, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for KwaZulu-Natal.
“Businesses have also offered their assistance with the upkeep of power lines that urgently need maintenance. AfriForum, in cooperation with local businesses, will soon give a presentation to the Municipality regarding these issues,” adds Van der Walt.
Support AfriForum to help your community: SMS “Vryheid” to 45267 (R1).