Dukathole plunged into darkness for over a month after substation blows up
For over a month, the residents of Dukathole have been living in complete darkness after the community's substation exploded due to overwhelming pressure caused by illegal connections.
Community members are now faced with increased crime, spoiled food, and a devastating blow to livelihoods.
'We are frustrated. Children are on school holidays, and it's cold. Managing to have hot water and staying warm is a challenge. We prepared for the holidays and bought food in bulk.
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'I had to throw away R3000 worth of perishables. I can't refrigerate anything. And we don't have answers and don't know when the power is going to be back,' said Martha Nkosi.
This is not the first time Dukathole has plunged into darkness because of a burnt substation.
In October last year, the same thing happened. At the time, MMC of Energy Mzayifani Ngwenya emphasised that illegal connections are a widespread problem in the community.
While some houses are legally connected to the grid, many rely on illegal connections, with wires crisscrossing between shacks throughout the settlement.
Ward 35 Clr Ntuthuzelo Mpambani said for years, residents have dealt with an inconsistent power supply from an overloaded grid that was never intended to service the growing number of homes in the area.
'The substation was under strain due to overloading caused by illegal connections made by surrounding informal settlements and backyard dwellers desperate for access to power,' said Mpambani.
For the elderly and vulnerable, the consequences have been especially harsh.
Crime has also increased, with criminals taking advantage of the darkness. One resident said you can't even see who's walking up to your gate at night, making it difficult to even report a crime when you can't even identify who committed it.
As the days drag on, candles and paraffin stoves have become the new normal in Dukathole, but residents say they are tired of empty promises. They want accountability, action, and a lasting solution.
An enquiry was sent to the city on a timeline for restoration or even temporary solutions.
No comment was received at the time of going to print.
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