The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg is deeply disturbed by the disdain City Power is showing the residents of Johannesburg.
Recently, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) introduced an electricity complaint escalation number, however, residents have confirmed that this number is rarely, if ever, attended as their calls fall on deaf ears. Councillors then follow the traditional route of escalating issues via service delivery WhatsApp groups, as has been the practice for years. To no avail.
We are appalled that City Power officials would rather debate the format in which the escalation is sent than attending to the problem. This speaks to the contempt they have for councillors alongside the residents who come to them for assistance.
This disdain is crystal clear when, after exhausting all forms of escalation, not even the CEO is willing or able to provide feedback on urgent queries – leaving some residents in the dark for 6 days.
Only once issues are escalated to the MMC by the DA Caucus Leader are they tended to, we want to acknowledge the MMC for his response. However, this should never be the case because officials should serve residents – as is their mandate.
We are starting to wonder what the purpose of the WhatsApp escalation groups are, as they are ignored. If City Power wants to prescribe tools, they have to be willing and able to use them.
Once a technician is finally despatched, they don’t have the necessary equipment or they simply leave work incomplete. Subsequently, tickets are closed without the issue being resolved.
It’s a disgrace that residents and Councillors alike, have to go on X (Twitter) to get a response from City Power.
We call on the Mayor and the Executive to pay closer attention to and conduct in depth oversight at City Power. They have to ensure fair and transparent delivery of service without to the residents of Johannesburg.