Rescue facility powerless

The Hout Bay Seal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (HBSRC) says its future and the lives of countless seal pups hang in the balance as the facility enters its eighth month without electricity.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

Despite repeated appeals to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the City of Cape Town, the Centre remains disconnected from the grid.

A chain of emails, seen by the People's Post, between the Centre and various government departments paints a grim image of frustration by the Centre management.

Since July this year, the facility has tried in vain to get assistance from the government.

The situation raises urgent questions about government accountability ahead of the October seal pup season.

"Every year, dozens of orphaned seal pups are rescued from our coastline. They need constant warmth from heaters and infrared lamps to survive, but without electricity, we cannot provide it," said Ilana Nel, a volunteer and the Centre's director of PR. "We are days away from pup season. If nothing changes, we face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to save them. This week alone, we have already lost three pups."

Since February this year, the Centre has relied on generators, gas, and community donations to keep operations running.

Volunteers say funds meant for food, veterinary care, and rehabilitation are instead being spent on fuel.