The newly elected mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Babalwa Lobishe, has assured residents that power will be restored soon.

This follows Monday’s heavy rains, which affected municipal infrastructure in the metro, leading to power outages, road closures and blocked stormwater drains.

Lobishe said various teams are working diligently to resolve the outages and other service delivery efforts.

The mayor on Tuesday led a delegation of officials from Kariega and KwaNobuhle to assess the metro’s response and progress and address challenges that still require attention.

She expressed her gratitude to the dedicated metro officials who attend to various calls, including flooded homes, power outages, burst water pipes and blocked storm water drains.

During a visit to Mabandla substation in KwaNobuhle, where the entire area is affected by the outage, Lobishe said officials have confirmed that power is live and connecting to the substation.

“They are currently finishing testing to get the electricity back on. We are also making progress on the capital project to refurbish the Mabandla Substation with the aim of eliminating frequent power outages in the area,” Lobishe said.

The mayor also commended the officials, who work diligently to ensure that no reference number is left unattended, underlining the municipality’s unwavering commitment to effectively provide and restore all services to residents.

“Our goal is to ensure that every resident receives the services they need promptly and efficiently. We are committed to resolving all issues, from power outages to water supply, with the utmost urgency and care.”

KwaNobuhle resident Aphelele Nelani expressed hope that power would be restored soon following the mayor’s visit.

“The outage hits us hard in the mornings when children have to go to school because some households do not have gas stoves. We hope we will have electricity again soon,” Nelani said.

Other political leaders, including former mayor and now deputy mayor, Gary van Niekerk, including Council President Eugene Johnson and Chief Whip Wandisile Jikeka, also carried out inspections in other affected groups.

Cable theft

Meanwhile, a quick and successful fireworks compliance inspection led to the arrest of a cable theft suspect.

The suspect was arrested by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Metro Police on Tuesday after the suspect was caught red-handed in possession of stolen copper cables hidden in a warehouse.

The arrest follows an inspection at a spaza shop on Mtyingizane Street in KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage.

Acting Metro Police Commissioner, Barrister Andrew Moses, said a 200 meter copper cable was seized and the suspect was detained at KwaNobuhle Police Station.

“The city is experiencing high levels of cable theft and this crime is undermining efforts to grow the city and region’s economy. It has a very big impact on safety and security,” Moses said.

The Acting Commissioner also commended the members responding to the operation for their keen vigilance and urged members of the community to join the fight against cable theft by reporting to the 24-hour hotline on 041 585 1555 or 041 508 5501. – SAnews.gov.za