Four weeks of noise

A resident of Merlot Close in Wilgeheuwel is at her wits’ end with a generator that was put up four weeks ago outside of the Hydra complex.

According to her, the generator was put up without any notice or warning. “It is right outside my window and it makes a lot of noise,” said the resident who wishes to stay anonymous. She said that she tried to contact City Power numerous times but cannot get an answer as to why the generator is there and when it will be removed.

“On Friday (15 July) the generator stopped working and they came between 1am and 3am to fix it. It went on and off the entire time and I could not sleep,” said the resident. Ward Councillor, Jaco Engelbrecht said that he too is struggling to get an answer.

Engelbrecht said that residents are plagued by numerous electricity supply issues, especially in the Wilgeheuwel area.

The residents said the use of generators in lieu of fixing transformers cannot be the long-term solution that City Power appears to make it. “It is expensive to rate payers, unhealthy to people in its vicinity and unreliable in terms of the supply of diesel and dependability of the generators themselves.”

Many more residents spoke to Engelbrecht regarding the generator outside of Fish Eagle Creek. They feel that this should not be a permanent solution. It is believed that power would come on for a few hours just to go out again. Residents want City Power to come up with a permanent solution.

A picture of the generator in Merlot Close was forwarded to Hloni Motloung from City Power.

“I spoke to the team and they will attend to it,” said Motloung. He encourages residents to report power problems through proper channels. “Residents can contact the call centre on 086 056 2874, log their queries on www.citypower.co.za or visit the Twitter account @citypowerJHB,” said Motloung.

Details: City Power, 011 490 7000.

Related articles:

WATCH: Noisy generator to be removed