Caxton office falls victim to City Power’s dismal service

On 15 January a few short power outages struck the Caxton office building at the corner of Generaal Pienaar Avenue and Ham Street.

The power was restored but only partly. Two phases of the system were functioning but not the third.

So the calls started. Three voice messages were left for City Power depot manager for the area, Solomon Benghu, but at 5pm the office doors were locked with the problem remaining.

Thursday 16 January. A new day and new hope although the reception area and production department is in the dark. Finally Benghu is reached.

“Yes, yes … blah … blah … Mark’s team …” sounds the promise from the esteemed City Power official.

Nothing happens. More voice messages are left but at 5pm the office is left and the problem remains unresolved.

Friday 17 January arrives, now the offices not only are without electricity but a loss of sense of humour to boot.

Benghu can not be reached and a message resembling begging is left on his phone. Councillor Gert Niemand is called and he manages to reach Benghu at approximately 12 noon. Benghu promises that he will address the situation. In the meanwhile the Record tries to follow the official route by calling the call centre. After being put on hold for an hour and fifteen minutes the call is ended.

At 3pm Benghu is reached. He wants a reference number. The Record does not want to play ball after the call centre incident. Benghu promises again. Niemand also phones him a few minutes later.

Monday morning 20 January comes. Still no electricity. More phone calls to efficient Benghu and his team. More promises.

Less service from City Power.