Complaints against the ANC controlled Tshwane Council, concerning poor service delivery continue to pour in on a weekly basis, with one of the latest being from residents of Gerhardsville, complaining of having no electricity for about a week.
According to the residents a number of houses and streets were in darkness, after a taxi driver knocked down an electric pole on 2nd Avenue, the previous Sunday. Residents say that despite various calls to both the Tshwane Council and the Ward Councillor’s office, to attend to the problem, their electricity was only restored about a week later, with some residents claiming that they are often ignored by Cllr Patel, when complaining about poor service.
Gerald Roux of 2nd Avenue, Gerhardsville, told the Laudium Sun, “It has been a few days since there has been no power, despite repeated complaints to the City of Tshwane. One taxi driver knocked over an electric pole and now the entire pole has fallen, leaving Gerhardsville without electricity. This is completely unacceptable because repeated attempts to contact the City of Tshwane have not resulted in any action. It feels as though the city no longer cares about us and the lack of response is extremely frustrating. There is a tenant in the household suffering from lung cancer, who relies on a ventilator powered by electricity and without it, the situation becomes critical. The absence of electricity puts my tenant at serious risk and demonstrates how essential reliable power supply is, particularly for those with medical conditions. Beyond this, many elderly residents in Gerhardsville depend entirely on electricity for their daily lives and the lack of power disrupts routines, medical devices, and basic comfort. Daily schedules, household activities, and essential functions have all been halted because there is no electricity, creating widespread inconvenience and concern. This situation is made worse by the absence of accessible local leadership. Councillor Patel is not available to address complaints outside of election periods, leaving residents feeling ignored and unsupported. The lack of accountability from local officials exacerbates the problem, as there is no clear channel to report urgent issues or ensure timely resolution. Residents are forced to live without basic services that should be reliably provided, and it undermines confidence in governance and public safety. Life without power has created immense difficulties for health, safety, and daily functioning. Residents want to live a normal life with basic services rendered professionally. We cannot continue to live under these poor services carried out by the Tshwane Municipality.”
Lauren Gander of Protea Street, Gerhardsville, told the Laudium Sun, “This situation is completely unacceptable. Continuous electricity disruptions and poor service delivery from the Tshwane Council in responding to the disruptions are becoming unbearable. Leaving the community without power for almost a week is totally unacceptable. The electricity disruptions have been ongoing for a long time, creating severe inconvenience and stress. The recent power outage in our area occurred when a taxi driver hit an electricity pole. The incident was reported to the City of Tshwane immediately, but there was no feedback and the lack of response demonstrates the inefficiency of the services being delivered and leaves residents feeling ignored and neglected. Local governance and support structures appear completely ineffective. The absence of electricity has disrupted daily life in multiple ways. Households are unable to cook, store food safely, or carry out essential tasks that require electricity. Residents are forced to spend long hours in darkness and discomfort, unable to maintain normal routines. The lack of attention from local authorities and the absence of urgency in addressing such a critical service amplifies the frustration and disappointment felt by everyone in the neighborhood.”
said that households were unable to cook, store food safely, or carry out essential tasks that require electricity.
Leon Olivier, also of Protea Street, Gerhardsville, told the Laudium Sun, “Residents have been calling for practical and timely action to fix the damaged electricity pole and ensure a stable supply of power, but were ignored. It is essential that the City of Tshwane and local leadership take responsibility and implement solutions without delay. The lack of accountability and slow response adds to the stress and dissatisfaction. Everyone wants to live without constant interruptions to electricity.”