Missing wiring covers pose danger

Aphiwe Boyce

aphiweb@caxton.co.za

JOBURG – CITY Power is looking at alternatives to curb the problem of people vandalising and stealing the metal covers from streetlights. The covers seal access to internal wiring.

The power entity said that possible solutions were to replace the metal covers with material which would be considered unsellable at scrap metal yards, or to put the cover at the very top of the pole so they won’t be accessible.

City Power said they also conducted joint operations with police at scrap metal dealers from time to time because that was where thieves sell the stolen metal covers and cables.

City Power spokesperson Sol Masolo said, “We also engage the private security service providers and police in hotspot areas not to focus on housebreaking and robbery crimes only but also to have an understanding of the impact of cover and cable theft and vandalism on the electrical infrastructure.”

The power entity said it was also conducting educational awareness in the communities affected by this problem.

A statement from City Power read, “Residents should be on the lookout for suspicious construction vehicles working on our electrical network, whether marked or unmarked, and report them to a 24-hour number daily. Residents should also report trolley pushers should they suspect them of cable or cover theft.”

City Power revealed that most of the cover theft incidents don’t interfere with electricity connections, but also said the theft of the covers contributes to electricity theft in some areas. The entity has warned the public about the dangers posed by vandalism and theft of wiring covers on streetlight poles around Johannesburg.

Masolo said anyone removing these steel covers could be electrocuted. “Most of these covers are being stolen or vandalised by the recyclers. City Power has a response vehicle which patrols high-risk areas based on theft and vandalism statistics.”

Details: 011 490 7911; 011 490 7900; 011 490 7553; or toll free 080 000 3251.