Residents of Galeshewe, Kimberley, have taken to the streets after being without electricity for weeks.

Protests started early Monday (12/08) morning after residents woke up to no electricity for the fifth consecutive day after multiple complaints to the municipality.

“Large parts of Galeshewe were brought back online after a widespread power outage that followed a community protest this morning,” said Sol Plaatje spokesperson, Thabo Mothibi

'The power restoration efforts will be extended to more areas’

Residents of Phutanang blocked additional roads in a show of solidarity with residents of Phomolong. While ongoing protests occurred, a transformer blew at a substation, which caused a widespread power outage in parts of Galeshewe.

Residents said they’d been to the municipality on multiple occasions to discuss the issue concerning their billing system, with no success.

“The power restoration efforts will be extended to more areas as the roads are being cleared to provide access amid two protest actions in Galeshewe.”

‘Sol Plaatje’ will only be able to attend to the power outage after the situation has normalised’

More than 300 disgruntled locals blocked the R31 near Phutanang at roughly 8 am on Monday, said Northern Cape police spokesperson Col. Cherelle Ehlers.

After the Kimberley Public Order Police dispersed the gathering and reopened the road, five people were taken into custody on charges of public violence.

“Due to unrest, the Sol Plaatje’s electrical department will only be able to attend to the power outage after the situation has normalised,” said municipal spokesperson, Thabo Mothibi.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg