Durban - eThekwini Municipality said the City is experiencing a break in the network which has affected the purchase of prepaid electricity tokens.
In a statement at 10.15am on Wednesday, the municipality said it was experiencing a break in the network that is impacting on internet services and its Sizakala customer centres.
“Customers are therefore unable to purchase prepaid electricity from the centres except the Rotunda customer service which is located at the Electricity Head Office, 1 Jelf Taylor Crescent next to the Durban station, bus terminals. Only cash purchases are accepted,” said the municipality.
The city said technicians are working to urgently resolve this matter and residents will be updated as soon as they are back online.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” said the city in an update on Tuesday night.
A resident commenting on the statement issued on the City’s Facebook page asked the municipality for a time-frame for the repairs to be completed.
“Can we have a time frame? I have no electricity, I literally had to switch off the geyser, fridge and anything else just to conserve the little I had now it's all gone. Imagine my phone battery is on 15%, haven't cooked, haven't boiled water for my son's formula. And the biggest cherry on top is that my husband works from home. Do you guys have any empathy, compassion as well as a matter of urgency. Is the problem so big that these technicians need 24 hours to resolve? Come on now!” she said.
Another resident said: “This is ridiculous that you expect the whole city of people to go to one place.”
A resident, who is out of town, said she purchases electricity via her mobile banking app for her tenant and hopes the issue is resolved soon.
“You should have places open when these issues arise as it's difficult when people get back late afternoon and need lights and why is this problem on a continuous basis now there should be a backup plan proper planning before introducing prepaid,” said another resident.