THOUSANDS of illegal electricity connections were disconnected today, 19 February, as the city continues to fight the scourge of illegal connections. Further clean-up operations are scheduled in other areas.
The joint operation was undertaken by officials from eThekwini Municipality’s Electricity Unit, Eskom, Telkom, officers from the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies.
Thousands of illegally-connected electricity wires in the Sitaram and Imona informal settlement area in uThongathi were removed. The area was identified as one of the city’s illegal connection hotspots and was enclosed by a web of live wires that hung dangerously over wire fencing, trees, houses, washing lines and in pathways.
A senior technician from the Revenue Protection Unit in the northern and north-western region said the area was selected for the joint operation due to a growing number of reports of people and livestock being electrocuted.
The official said he suspected that a syndicate was operating in the area. Police and the city forensic team would be handling the matter.
He said the city had had a number of successful disconnection operations in recent months but there were still challenges such as illegal reconnections. Despite these challenges, he said further clean-ups operations were scheduled in other areas.
However, their efforts are not always appreciated. “As much as this is for the good of the community, we are met with resistance from residents. During disconnection operations, people become volatile and threaten us. We always bring armed law enforcement with us as the community can become violent,” he said.
The scourge of illegal electricity connections has been an on-going challenge in eThekwini Municipality.
The municipality has continuously warned residents against cable and electricity theft as it often results in devastating and tragic consequences such as loss of life as well as damage to infrastructure, which costs the municipality approximately R230 million-annually.
Several initiatives including modifications to the infrastructure have been taken to minimise the impact of illegal connections.
Any suspicion of cable theft must be reported to the following numbers:
Electricity’s call centre 080 131 3111, SMS 083 700 0819 or e-mail custocare@elec.durban.gov.za.
Cable theft hotline 031 311 9611
SAPS 10111
Metro Police emergency line 031 361 0000.
