The DA in Tshwane says the overtime policy has cost the municipality R130-million in lost electricity revenue in a single month while leaving residents in the dark.
Jacqui Uys, the DA Tshwane finance spokesperson, said the overtime policy blocks officials from responding to electrical faults after hours and has led to worsened ongoing power outages.
Uys said the DA has met with city officials to discuss the issue, claiming that poor workmanship and political decisions are the cause of what she referred to as a crisis.
“Adding insult to the injury, the ANC coalition made a policy decision to not allow officials to work on emergency power outages after hours. The administration tries to defend this decision by stating cost control as a reason,” said Uys.
“However, a report served in the city’s finance committee clearly shows that R130-million in electricity revenue was lost in April alone, with the main reason for this loss being cited as power outages.”
Despite being perceived as a cost-saving measure, she stated that this policy move is having unintended consequences.
DA wants overtime policy changed
The situation, she said, worsened over the past weekend when planned maintenance affecting most of the east of Pretoria failed to meet expectations.
“On all accounts, this project was a flop that had to be rescheduled but still left residents without power for up to 24 hours due to a combination of shoddy workmanship and problematic overtime regulations,” said Uys.
The DA, according to Uys, agrees that regular work should take place during office hours and advocates for flexible emergency responses.
Temba Fosi, the DA Tshwane spokesperson for electricity, has also engaged city officials to improve communication with DA councillors.
“We must ensure that community needs are better understood and that, in turn, better services are delivered,” Fosi said.
The DA is now pushing for urgent changes to the overtime policy and for better management of power infrastructure to prevent revenue loss and public frustration.
