Vandalism, Theft and Weather Damage Trigger Power Outages Across 16 Areas in Cape Town

Residents across sixteen areas in Cape Town were plunged into darkness over the weekend, as a result of electricity outages caused by an unfortunate trifecta of vandalism, theft, and adverse weather conditions, according to the City of Cape Town.

The neighborhoods affected, including Philippi, Valhalla Park, Gugulethu, Philippi Farms, Mfuleni, Crawford, Briza (Somerset West), Newlands, Fish Hoek, Claremont, Constantia, St James, Retreat, Rondebosch, Langa, and Plumstead, are under the municipal’s immediate attention.

The City made it clear that addressing these inconveniences was a priority for them. "Our teams are working tirelessly to restore power in the impacted sectors. Given the high volume of electricity service requests, various crucial planned maintenance tasks are also concurrently commencing in Tokai," the City stated.

The weekend’s unfortunate circumstances were further exacerbated by threats and extortion attempts targeted at City staff and contractors involved in a public lighting project in Eerste River. Expressing her dismay, Mayoral committee member for energy, Beverley van Reenen condemned the violent threats, adding that such incidences led to temporary project delays.

The City has not yet been able to provide an estimated timeframe for power restoration. It stressed that while tension and frustration may be mounting among residents, cooperation and patience are vital during this challenging period.