'Enough is now definitely enough!!' says Hilton's Ratepayers Association

Hilton residents are now exasperated beyond belief, having exhausted all manner of patience regarding the dismal electricity supply performance and the frequent, never-ending supply interruptions experienced over recent years. The electricity supply problems in Hilton have a long history, dating back over two decades at least. The HRA are fortunate to have a local resident in Rob Maitland-Stuart, a self-employed electrical engineering specialist (HV/MV networks) who has taken it upon himself to engage with Msunduzi Municipality over this period, with a view to resolving the critical elements in the supply network. These ongoing professional services and the extensive time involved have been provided on a pro-bono basis but unfortunately have not reaped the reciprocal rewards from Msunduzi as initially sought, in trying to address the poor performing supply issue.

 

On behalf of the HRA, a detailed report (“Historical Roadmap”) was compiled by Rob, outlining all meetings held with the Msunduzi Municipality to date, from as far back as 2006/7, including a sample event record of the supply interruptions experienced in one particular year, all of which makes for interesting reading w.r.t. this protracted and unacceptable service being provided to Hilton. Furthermore, the Municipality is in possession of an approved Network Development “Master” Plan established in 2013 for the complete upgrade of Pietermaritzburg’s HV/MV electrical network, which includes that pertaining to Hilton. Some of the upgrades identified have been implemented in the greater Pietermaritzburg area, but unfortunately have not included the critical elements in the Hilton supply network, apart from the overhead line sections in the primary supply network between Retief (Pmb) and Crossways (Hilton) substations, which were completed in 2013.

 

It is apparent from the less than acceptable response by Msunduzi Municipality to the Hilton supply fiasco, that the urgency in implementing the necessary system upgrades is not a priority as far as they are concerned, quoting available funds as being the constraint and the frequently used excuse for not providing the necessary upgrades required. This ambivalence displayed towards Hilton w.r.t. the poor delivery of an essential service, which the supply of electricity ought to be, has led many residents to believe they are being treated with disdain and must just continue to accept and be subjected to this poor service delivery.

 

However, Hilton residents would have noticed recently, that trenches have been dug and cables installed at the top end of Old Howick Rd/Berry Hill Lane and into Crossways substation, as part 1 of 3 critical cable upgrades required in the primary supply (33kV) network. Part 2 of 3, are the equivalent cables in Villiers Drive, near Wykeham-Collegiate school in Pietermaritzburg, that are also scheduled to be upgraded in this financial year, ending June 2021. Part 3 of 3 of the cable upgrades, are the 1.2kM long cables supplied out of Retief substation to a point just off Quarry Rd in Pietermaritzburg, where the primary supply network converts to two overhead line sections (lines A & B). It is imperative that this long cable section (Part 3 of 3) be upgraded at the same time as the other two if Hilton is to realize any benefit at all in stabilizing the primary supply network.

 

Therein lies the main problem (a “challenge” it is not) as Msunduzi has since reneged on the earlier undertaking made in August 2020 to upgrade all three sections in this current financial year, claiming there are now budget constraints preventing this from happening. Consequently, Hilton will continue to experience poor performance of their electricity supply, as this last but critical section of cables will become the limiting element and the weakest point in the whole primary supply network. The strength of any system is only as good as its weakest link.

 

Here lies the focal point of the HRA’s continued engagement with Msunduzi to get this matter attended to and resolved but have now reached the point where legal intervention is the possible option to consider. The dysfunctional Msunduzi Municipality needs to be held accountable to ensure the problem areas are addressed responsibly and the necessary measures implemented to ensure a stable primary 33kV supply network is established in the first instance. With that achieved, if it ever happens, the upgrade of the complete Crossways Primary substation would need to follow as the next progressive step, but that is another whole scenario to pursue and debate on a different day.

 

The HRA is also following closely the initiatives of the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) w.r.t. their concerns regarding the poor supply of electricity to the greater Pietermaritzburg area and if considered appropriate, will “piggyback” onto these initiatives if the combined effort and mutual concerns, will realize the required solution to Hilton’s electricity supply issue.

 

If you have not yet done so, please join the Hilton Ratepayers’ Association to help strengthen our arm in defence of your rights. Click here to apply for membership.

 

Finally, please respond to this quick survey by clicking here.

 

Mike Tarr
Chairman: HRA