A frustrated Philippi resident who has been without electricity for more than six months, says she is unable to cook, and has to wash in cold water – in the grip of the Cape’s cold, rainy weather.
Nthabeleng Tsotetsi of Hazeldene is fuming because of her wait for a replacement electricity box after hers stopped working.
She said despite going to the offices in Fezeka and Wynberg the matter has not been resolved.
“It’s really a hard life for me and my son. I have to wash with cold water and it is difficult to cook. I am forced to buy food to eat,” she said.
She said she went to the municipal offices but was sent from pillar to post. “After the problem occurred, I reported the matter straight to the offices. I am not getting any help but I will continue fighting the issue. My son is at home for the whole day so he cannot cook and have proper food. It is not that we have tampered with the box,” she said.
Phindile Maxiti, mayoral committee member for energy and climate change, said the City was aware of the fault at Ms Tsotetsi’s home and would attend to it as soon as it is possible. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience which has been brought on by a mixture of capacity constraints and area volatility which has affected services. We are doing our best to attend to the request,” he said.
After hearing the response from Vukani, Ms Tsotetsi said she cannot wait to finally have her electricity back.