Hundreds left in the dark after City Power disconnection drive

JOHANNESBURG - Hundreds of families have been left without electricity following Johannesburg City Power’s decision to disconnect their homes from the grid.

The Octavia Hill Flats, located in the inner-city, have been cut off due to non-payment.

City Power said the government-owned flats have been defaulting on payments, with their debt accumulating to over R12 million.

As a City Power convoy escorted by Johannesburg metro police stormed into the flats on Thursday, residents stormed out of their homes, seemingly curious to know what wrong the had done.

They attempted to source information from City Power officials, but tempers flared when they realised that the electricians were there to disconnect their electricity.

Dingaan Ndlovu, who has lived here since 1991, said City Power was abusing its authority, accusing it of taking advantage of impoverished families.

“I’m just surprised that why would someone come and cut off electricity without consulting us? Because they told us last week and we said we’ve got no problem with paying water and electricity. So, there are protocols and procedures and they must follow them.”

While the flats look dilapidated, residents said the Human Settlements Department recently gave them title deeds.

They claim they were told that the government would settle their water and electricity bills until further notice.