Residents of the City of uMhlathuze are facing repeated power outages due to vandalism and sabotage of electricity infrastructure, with the Aquila substation being vandalised for a second time. Mayor Xolani Ngwezi reported extensive damage to substations in Richards Bay and Empangeni, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to the municipality, these attacks are part of a broader pattern of infrastructure vandalism affecting the Empangeni area. “It is quite clear that there are individuals who are determined to sabotage our infrastructure,” Mayor Ngwezi stated, underscoring the challenges faced by local authorities in maintaining reliable electricity services.
In a related development, City Power has launched its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Booysens as part of its 10-Point Energy Plan. This initiative aims to transition the city’s fleet from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, as noted by Mayor Dada Morero. “The launch of the EV charging station marks the beginning of a broader transformation,” he added.
Despite these advancements, the City of Johannesburg is grappling with significant electricity losses, estimated at approximately 29%. This figure reflects ongoing challenges in managing the city’s energy demands and infrastructure.
The ongoing issues with vandalism and sabotage of electricity infrastructure continue to pose significant challenges for the City of uMhlathuze, impacting residents and local services. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential measures to enhance security and prevent further incidents.
