Power outages rise as private excavations damage underground cables
The City urged contractors to follow regulations, stressing that those who damage electrical cables will be charged the full cost of the electrical repairs.
THE eThekwini Municipality has issued a stern warning to property owners and private contractors who are damaging underground cables during excavations. In a statement, the City said damaged cables have led to a rise in power outages across Durban.
“The City is concerned by an increased number of power outages recently. This is caused by contractors and property owners who, when excavating, disregard signs of underground cables. This usually plunges thousands of residents into darkness,” said the City.
The City added that the majority of recent power outages have resulted from this ‘unlawful conduct’.
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“The city hereby urges consumers, contractors and property owners who wish to excavate to follow the proper procedure. They should do this by visiting the municipal offices to get a GIS record of the location of the infrastructure beneath the ground,” said the City.
Hefty fees will be payable by those who do not comply.
“Those found to have damaged electrical cables will be fined and charged the full cost of electrical repairs. Damage to underground cables not only leaves residents in darkness but can cause fatal or severe injury by electric shock and explosion,” concluded the City.
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