It is believed that, to date, over 17 000 illegal electricity connections have been removed since the drive started over two months ago.
The EMM’s anti-illegal connection team consists of the Red Ant Security Services, Combined Private Investigators (CPI), the Metro Police’s Cable Theft Unit and Public Order Policing Unit, and the SAPS.
The team was lead by the municipality’s energy department when they raided the Zama Zama and Peter Mokaba informal settlements in Extension 28, Vosloorus, on November 15.
The campaign has already travelled to Mpilisweni in Thokoza, Ramaphosa in Reiger Park, KwaThema Extension 3 and 6, the KwaThema Hostel, in Langaville Extension 6 and 8, Daggafontein in Springs, and the Mkantshwa informal settlement near Ergo in Brakpan.
Other parts of Ekurhuleni will be visited within the next two months to remove illegal electricity connections.
Illegal electricity connections are a major problem, costing the EMM R36-million per annum. This translates to losses of about R2.8-million to R4.9-million per month for the EMM.
This is money which could be used for other service delivery projects.
In a bid to address the loss, the city embarked on a month-long education campaign in September to educate communities about the adverse effects of illegal connections.
The campaign has entered its second leg, where the actual removal of illegal connections is being carried out.
“In spite of the dangers associated with illegally connecting electricity, and the fact that this practice destroys the economy, reduces work opportunities and destroys power infrastructure, the practice is still rife – especially in informal settlements,” said Mr Sam Modiba, the spokesperson for the EMM.
Mr Modiba pointed out that four children were killed in Dukathole, near Germiston earlier this year, as a result of illegal connections. In another incident, a 42-year-old KwaThema man was electrocuted while trying to steal electricity.
“We are appealing to community members to help us fight illegal connections by reporting such incidents to our emergency call centre on 0860 543 000,” said Mr Modiba.
The EMM is currently rolling out solar energy lighting to identified households in Ekurhuleni’s informal settlements. These households have been identified as having no short or medium term plans for relocation or upgrading.
The solar lighting units consist of a solar panel, a battery control box and four LED lights. The solar panel is positioned on top of the roof but cannot be stolen because it is connected to the house from the inside. The lifespan of the battery is three to five years. The LED lights have the capacity to run for up to 100 000 hours.
