The installation of fibre-optic cables in the south of Gauteng has caused a major unhappiness with residents regarding the way it is being done.
Fibre-optic cables are high-speed digital lines enabling data to travel at speeds above what conventional lines are capable of handling. The installation of fibre-optic cables is seen as a major step towards the modernisation of telecommunications in the area. At the same time, the installation of these cables involves digging up of pavements to run the cables underground.
This is where a lot of residents have a problem with the process.
It begins when a company like Vodacom approaches the council to inform them of their intent to install fibre-optic cables. The council has to allow the company to install the cables and their role is to inform contractors of any pipes or electricity cables that can be impacted. The contractors then dig a trench in the pavement and install the cables. A clean-up crew is then responsible to fill in the trench and repair any pavement or driveway that was dug up.
There are, however, cases where this process is not performed correctly. Cases of trees and gardens being damaged have been reported. There have also been reports of delayed or shoddy workmanship.
Alberton residents have reported extreme dissatisfaction with the work being done. They feel that not only is the work proceeding too slowly, but the state pavements are left in is unacceptable.
Interruptions to utilities is another problem that has plagued the installation process. Workers accidentally digging through water pipes has been a source of some discomfort for residents.
In the case of water pipes bursting, the water has to be turned off to the area. Municipal repair teams then have to wait until the water drains before work can be completed, sometimes causing residents to be without water for hours.
Dissatisfied residents are encouraged by the council to contact the municipal call centre with any issues they have with the installation process. Cases of interruptions to electricity and water should also be reported.
Complaints can be addressed to call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za
Any service interruptions can be reported to 0860 543 000
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