Power outages spark protests in Homelite

RESIDENTS of Homelite, Kimberley, are threatening to return to the streets in protest following yet another electricity outage on Wednesday afternoon.

This comes after they had already taken to the streets at the intersection between Homelite and Seleke Street on Tuesday evening, after being left without power since the beginning of the week.

“Unless new parts are procured to replace damaged infrastructure, there will continually be power outages,” residents said.

Electricians worked late into Tuesday night to restore supply, reportedly connecting a stable power line from Homevale. Power was temporarily restored on Wednesday morning — only to trip again around 4.30pm, leaving both Homelite and Homevale in the dark once more.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, confirmed that police had monitored a service delivery protest near Homelite on July 8.

“A group of approximately 70 protesters barricaded the Homelite and Seleke intersection with burning tyres and rubble, protesting against the provision of electricity by the municipality,” said Sam.

“The police activated the Public Order Police in managing the crowd unrest through negotiations between the protesters and municipal authorities, which yielded a meaningful agreement being reached and for the crowd to disperse.” 

He advised the public to refrain from barricading roads.

“The public is reminded that the SAPS must balance the right to protest with the need to maintain order and protect public safety, which can be a difficult task for all.

“The public should strive to and seek ways and methods that could de-escalate tensions.” 

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi explained that the power was switched off in parts of 23rd Street, Beam Drive and Porpoise Street on Monday due to a fault on a high-tension aerial bundle conductor in Homelite.

“Two trips were encountered after the transformer was refuelled with oil in Porpoise Street on Monday. The Electrical Department conducted diagnostic testing on the medium voltage network on Wednesday to clear faults on the system that resulted in a prolonged outage over the last two days.

“We regret the inconvenience, and we trust that the community will support our repair work efforts,” Mothibi stated.