City’s operation against illegal connections in Mabondeni causes tension

Tensions were high between residents and officials when Mabondeni Skwatta Camp residents took to the streets over electricity woes on November 28.

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The protest was sparked by the metro’s operation on illegal connections.

The disgruntled community members began protesting at Main Road and continued towards Barbara and Isando roads while the metro was busy disconnecting the illegal connections.

Law enforcement was able to disperse the angry crowd who had set the tires and other items alight.

Firefighters were called to put out the flames.

According to the Bedfordview police spokesperson Lillian Modiga, the operation went well.

On the other hand, the mayoral spokesperson Warren Gwilt said the disconnection of illegal electricity connections is a standard operational procedure in the city.

He mentioned the city loses billions of rands due to illegal connections which is why they need to be removed.

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“The knock-on effect on the city’s finances is put under strain because usage outstrips revenue collection.

“Ultimately, this trickles into other service delivery areas as the sale of electricity funds the majority of the city’s budget.

“Often these illegal connections are dangerous and can cause injury and/or death to those who connect to it.

“Illegal connections also put untenable pressure on electrical infrastructure which leads to a myriad of other problems like substations catching fire or blowing up or shorts on the line,” said Gwilt.

The executive mayor Tania Campbell and the MMC for Energy, Senzi Sibeko met with management at the Germiston Energy depot in Driehoek on December 1 to discuss issues regarding turnaround times and general energy issues in Germiston.

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