Diepsloot extensions 3, 10 and 11, as well as the Diepsloot Mall, were severely interrupted after illegal fires between Riverside and Dieplsoot damaged the infrastructure supplying the areas on 14 February.
According to Lebogang Manakana of Corporate Affairs Department for the Gauteng Province, it was suspected that the fires were caused on purpose by perpetrators to enable them to steal cables in the areas.
Manakana explained that it was based on the tools that were on site, known to the Eskom team, that they know the fires were illegally made. “The criminals burn the poles so that the supply can trip to have access to cut the cable.”
She further explained that upon arrival, the fires were already dying when the Eskom team arrived on site. “Thus, residents were without electricity for about seven hours.
When asked what they intended to do in order to combat these fires, Manakana said, “Eskom will continue to create awareness of the negative impact of the cable theft and damage to the infrastructure that disrupts the continuity of electricity supply.”
She urged the community to support efforts towards infrastructure protection and report these kinds of activities immediately to the nearest police station or contact Eskom. “We remain committed to ensuring that our customers receive a continuous supply of electricity.”
For any electricity related enquiries, customers are requested to call Eskom’s contact centre.
Details: 08600 37566 which operates for 24 hours.
What other illegal activities are there in the community? Share your views on the Fourways Review Facebook page.
