Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Cllr Tyrell Meyers here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg alongside DA members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature found a distressing scene in the Joburg CBD during a collaborative oversight visit. Most worrying, was the staggering cost of keeping the lights on for some businesses, as City Power fails to address electricity infrastructure issues and theft.
During our oversight just a few blocks away from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, we met up with business owners and employees, many whom complained about prolonged power outages in the Johannesburg CBD. Some businesses have been without power for almost two weeks; this has a direct impact on their ability to make money.
Some businesses owners we spoke to, were spending over R10 000 a day on diesel for their generators, just to keep their lights on and doors open. Continued loss of income, and unplanned expenses will undoubtedly lead to businesses having to cut costs, and the last thing Johannesburg needs is more jobs losses.
This situation is only compounded when looking at nearby student accommodation. Students cannot study, or live in their accommodation as they have neither water nor electricity. This is a situation created by continued attacks on electricity infrastructure by thieves.
However, the DA will be taking up this fight in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, and in the Johannesburg Council Chamber. It cannot be that Johannesburg CBD is being subjected to these continued electricity, and in some cases, water outages.
The powerhouse of the nation’s economy deserves better.