Pretoria – Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa has urged communities to expose those involved in cable theft.
A recent incident of cable theft at some power stations in the City of Tshwane has left parts of Centurion in the dark since Sunday morning. While electricity has been restored in some areas, others will have to make do without lights until Friday.
Affected areas include Brakfontein, Rooihuiskraal, Amberfield, the Reeds, Noordwes, Thatchfield, and Wierda Park.
The mayor apologised for the inconvenience.
“We really want to express our sincere apology to all those who were affected… [including] business owners,” he said.
According to Ramokgopa, the city had about 450 reported cases of cable theft from mini substations, which has cost the city R20 million from April to June this year.
The damages at the Brakfontein and Kentron substations is estimated at R8 million.
Ramokgopa said cable theft was tantamount to sabotage, adding that the culprits have the skills and know-how to access to power stations. He did not rule out the involvement of the city’s employees.
He said the city will deploy security personnel at all its power stations and that technology will be used to upgrade security systems.
Ramokgopa said the city will continue to work with the task team set up by national government and various private sector organisations to prevent capable theft and vandalism.
Ramokgopa called on the city’s residents to report power failures to the municipality by SMSing the word POWER followed by their account number to 082 612 0333. Alternatively, they can call 012 358 9999 and choose the electricity option.
SOURCE – SAnews.gov.za
