Cable theft is a serious challenge in Ekurhuleni. The residents of Brackenhurst and Brackendowns as well as their surrounding areas were recently without power for more than 30 hours. Cable theft was confirmed as the main reason for the power outage.
The officials of the metro worked tirelessly to repair the cable after it was burned by cable thieves who attempted to remove it from a 10 metre deep underground tunnel. One of the technicians was hospitalised after he inhaled toxic gasses emitted from the burning cable. The toxic fumes hampered repair efforts and slowed response time.
The DA would like to thank the electricity department for taking swift action on the power outage and for being accessible and responsive when this issue was logged. Together with Alberton councillors, I have met with the department to thank the officials and will make an inquiry on any other concerns it may have that need to be addressed in council.
Cables are frequently replaced and repaired in the metro, however it does not last longer than a few months before being either damaged or stolen. Cable theft is one of the biggest challenges faced by the metro.
Cable theft costs the metro and residents millions annually in repair and replacement costs. The theft of copper cables and the resulting disrupted electricity and telephone services also have serious implications for residents and businesses, and can sometimes be life-threatening.
It undermines economic gains and also results in significant loss in productivity and income in the metro. This is concerning, especially considering Ekurhuleni’s status as the biggest industrial hub in South Africa.
The DA recommends that the metro invests in more innovative cable theft prevention solutions.
The following have been identified as possible solutions the metro can take to address the problem:
- CCTV and alarm security technologies at sub-station reservoirs;
- Replacing copper cables with low value alternatives;
- Mark copper cables so that they are easily identifiable by police and dealers;
- Limiting the number of scrap dealers allowed to deal in copper in the metro or reduce the exporting of non-ferrous metals to strengthen controls;
- Implement legislation to increase penalties for cables stolen;
- Introduce a specialised policing unit such as Cape Town’s Copperheads Metro Police Unit that can accurately track and detect criminal activity surrounding cable theft.
- Establish a hotline to report cable theft and related infrastructure damage.
We implore the metro to look into the above solutions to find more innovative ways to safeguard electricity infrastructure and reduce future outages.
We also call on residents to work with the police and the metro by not getting involved in illegal transactions that involve copper or non-ferrous metals and by reporting criminal or suspicious activities timeously.
We appeal to EMM to make the safeguarding of our electricity and energy infrastructure a priority by investing in regular maintenance and long lasting innovative solutions to ensure future preservation.
Councillor Malcolm Maifala
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle:Â 079Â 427 8074Â and Southern Courier: 079Â 404 5789.
