Alex residents block City Power from cutting illegal connections
City Power had to abandon its mission to cut illegal power at an unlawfully occupied block of flats in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, on Thursday morning.
The power utility and police were met by angry residents who barricaded London Road with burning tyres.
One of the residents of the block of flats said they are willing to pay for electricity.
However, he pointed out that City Power has failed for several years to electrify the flats.
"The problem we have is that the time City Power came to cut the electricity, they told us to organise a petition and follow the proper process. So, we followed the process and up until today, they have not given us feedback.
"So, City Power cannot just decide to cut our power, people from the flats are willing to pay for electricity if they give us proper electricity," said the resident.
The utility spokesperson Isaac Mngena said City Power cannot electrify an illegally occupied building.
"The flats they are occupying do not below to the city for one, they belong to the province. They have not been proclaimed as part of the housing or where people can stay at.
"As City Power, our hands are tied. We cannot electrify a place that is not proclaimed to have electricity."
