MSUNDUZI Municipality residents are fuming over power outages that have lasted for days, accusing the city of failing in its duties and calling for the mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla and his executive to vacate his office.
Thebolla and city manager Madoda Kathde addressed a media briefing this morning, detailing the progress made to reconnect the thousands of residents who have been without power since a storm led to a fire at a primary station that supplies the northern suburbs, on December 15.
The mayor said many areas had been reconnected and he hoped a large portion of the remaining areas would be reconnected on Christmas Eve.
As Thebolla detailed the progress made, in a live broadcast on the municipality’s Facebook page, residents took to the same page to vent their frustrations.
“You tell us what we know,” said Niksha Deeplau. “Tell us what you are doing about this!!!”
Sarisha Bhugwandeen said, “Northdale residents got no help – no food from the disaster management teams – nothing – you talking after 7 days.”
Linda Mtshali said: “People of Woodlands and greater areas have had no lights for 7 days and you want us to fill forms then (provide) receipts from where we bought, when we are supporting small businesses buying our vegetables and other consumables and then it will take 8 or so months for the lucky ones with receipts to hopefully get money back.
“The least you could have done is make sure people have been okay for the past 7 days. Show some humanity. We are human beings not animals. We will not be paying our light bills this month Mr Mayor..your office at least owes us that for no services rendered. Not even a cup of soup and a loaf of bread from you and your office.”
THE MERCURY