The persisting taxi strike in Cape Town has taken an unexpected toll on electricity provision, as Eskom is compelled to withdraw services from more areas due to escalating safety concerns.
Reports of vandalism, looting and violent incidents have compelled Eskom to prioritise the safety of its staff by refraining from entering volatile zones.
The extent of the impact is substantial, stretching from neighbourhoods such as Khayelitsha, Delft, Belhar and Philippi to encompass areas like Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Witsand, Plettenberg Bay and Worcester.
Eskom’s statement underscores the organisation’s unwavering commitment to staff safety, emphasising that the withdrawal of services will persist until the affected areas are declared safe.
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This move inevitably affects the restoration of electricity to these locations, as the restoration process hinges on the assurance of a secure environment for the dispatched operators.
As the strike has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the province, particularly Cape Town, acts of violence have punctuated the landscape, with incidents such as car and bus torching becoming unsettlingly common. The ongoing impasse between the provincial government, including the City of Cape Town, has deepened amid accusations from the taxi industry.
Their grievances revolve around perceived selective enforcement of by-laws, accusing the City of unfairly targeting taxi drivers while ordinary motorists seemingly evade similar consequences for comparable offences.
In light of these developments, Eskom remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety of its staff and the integrity of its services. Customers are urged to exercise patience and use available channels to log any faults, as the organisation navigates the intricacies of the ongoing strike and its impact on the electricity supply.
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Picture: Eskom