CoCT clamps down on illegal electricity connections

Residents in parts of Phillipi were left without electricity, and the City of Cape Town clamps down on those using electricity illegally.

PHOTO: Mitchum George

Last Thursday, officers attached to the Energy Safety Team, disconnected electricity in this area, to what the municipality says, "help protect electrical infrastructure from tampering, vandalism, theft and illegal connections."

A similar operation was done by the City in September 2023, in Oasis Farm, also in Phillipi. Residents in this informal settlement cried foul, but MMC for Energy, Beverley van Reenen, said Oasis Farm is situated on privately owned land, making it difficult, she says, to provide electricity in this area.

Van Reenen said residents connecting electricity illegally, has a detrimental effect on neighbouring areas.

"Repairs and disconnections of the same vandalised infrastructure is not feasible or safe and places pressure on City resources and negatively impacts our residents by leaving neighbourhoods without power," said Beverley van Reenen, MMC for Energy.

"We are aware of and are monitoring all illegal connection and infrastructure vandalism hotspot areas. The City is serious about protecting its critical infrastructure and the residents who are legally supplied with electricity. We will not tolerate vandalism which impacts on this supply to our residents. Illegal connections leave whole communities in darkness due to overloaded connections and exposed live wires," she added.

PHOTO: Mitchum George

The MMC claims illegal connections happens during load shedding.

"Criminals have seemingly taken advantage of Eskom's recent constant load-shedding to target our infrastructure. Philippi is one of the areas which has been especially hard hit and this often causes prolonged electricity outages."

Van Reenen sent a stern warning to those wanting to partake in illegal activities.

"We wish to be extremely clear: we will not allow these acts of criminality to have an impact on the supply to residents. Our zero tolerance approach to this type of criminality and safety hazard will continue," said Beverley van Reenen, MMC for Energy.

The City said the estimated cost of repair to vandalised infrastructure, including damage caused by illegal connections in the last financial year is R56 million. Van Reenen encouraged residents to report illegal connections and vandalism to the City's hotline on 021 440 77 00 and SAPS on 08600 10 111.

Van Reenen reminded residents of the R5 000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest, confiscation of stolen or illegal goods or the handing in of illegal or stolen goods. This reward is also applicable to information leading to the arrest of people vandalising, damaging or stealing electricity infrastructure or installing illegal connections.

 

Done By: Mitchum George