I WOULD like to comment on the two prolonged power cuts experienced by Humewood residents. On Friday evening May 4 the electricity went off at approximately 7.30 and was only restored again on Saturday May 5 at about 1pm.
There was a repeat episode again on Monday May 14 – at approximately 8pm the power went off and was only restored the next day at 2.45pm.
Power failures for an hour or two are a nuisance, particularly if they occur in short proximity, but when these cuts last for longer than 15 hours, it becomes serious. In the first instance most electric equipment such as alarms, electric fences and remote garage doors operate on battery back-up that lasts for about eight hours.
After this the equipment becomes redundant. What is a concern is that many homes are left without security and residents who have attempted to secure their properties are left without any protection.
I am mindful of the fact that many people do not have the luxury of electricity or the devices that operate on electricity, and I kept on reminding myself of these less fortunate people in an attempt not to become very angry.
However, the fact that there are less fortunate people cannot be used in mitigation of the municipality that yet has to give an explanation to the ratepayers of why we had these lengthy power cuts in such a short space of time.
I am also surprised that the newspapers did not follow up on these stories.
On a positive note, I have to commend the staff who manned the all-hours telephone number for remaining patient and polite. I am sure they had to endure many irate and abusive telephone calls.
André Mukheibir, Humewood, Port Elizabeth
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