Photo by: Creamer Media
Eskom cut power supply to certain parts of Dlamini in Soweto on Friday after residents allegedly denied them access to the area to install prepaid split meters.
Eskom's senior operations and maintenance manager Mashangu Xivambu said this happened despite the power utility engaging with community leaders and residents about the implementation of the project ahead of time.
However, he said, residents prevented Eskom from resuming work in the area on Thursday.
Xivambu said Eskom was in the process of installing prepaid split meters throughout Gauteng following low payment trends that affected its revenue.
Xivambu said the installation of prepaid split meters would help customers to manage their own electricity consumption.
He said, "Electricity supply will not be restored until we receive confirmation that the community is ready to allow our employees safe access into the area and will not interfere with them while they do their work."
"It is important for Eskom to be certain that it can guarantee the safety of its employees before it can dispatch them to resume with operations," he added.