OUR CITY NEWS: Joburg power, water outages put medically vulnerable residents at risk

Power and water outages in Johannesburg have put medically vulnerable residents at serious health risks, as many rely on powered equipment, reliable hygiene, and caregiving support. John Gahle, a resident in Johannesburg, faces the constant worry of how long his oxygen concentrator will last when the electricity goes out. Gahle has spent over R20,000 on backup arrangements, including cylinders that can last about four hours each.

The uncertainty of outages creates panic for medically vulnerable residents, who depend on electricity for devices like oxygen concentrators, nebulisers, and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines, as well as refrigeration and water for hygiene and wound care. When these services fail, alternative support becomes necessary.

Social Work Manager Jones Majoni pointed out that water interruptions create difficulties for people who rely on caregivers for continence care and washing. Caregivers may need to find water elsewhere or wait for tankers, adding further stress to the situation. Long-lasting power outages can put patients who rely on electrically powered medical equipment at serious risk.

Registered nurse, speaking anonymously, noted that prolonged outages can significantly affect patients dependent on home Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ventilation, suctioning, and nebulisation. Water interruptions may also compromise hygiene and wound care, leading to preventable infections. The nurse recommends a vulnerability register for priority response by service providers and the provision of alternatives during planned or unplanned outages.

Care-home residents, such as those with chronic respiratory conditions who rely on electrically powered oxygen equipment, are also vulnerable during power outages. Poorer facilities may not have solar power, diesel generators, or large tanks, leaving them without water or electricity. In communities with limited resources, service delivery failures may lead to drastic improvisation, such as using firewood or paraffin for cooking and collecting water from long distances.