This follows the rise in vandalism of the power utility’s infrastructure, the theft of pylon steel members, coupled with sand mining around pylons as well as the siphoning of oil from transformers – all of which cause serious safety hazards, according to Eskom.
“A collective sense of ownership is one of the most important elements of community building. We believe that this should be a factor when communities think of the infrastructure we use to distribute electricity. It is for our collective benefit and should be valued accordingly,” says Miranda Moahlodi, senior manager for health and safety at Eskom.
Vandalism of Eskom infrastructure causes unplanned power outages – an inconvenience that affects communities for potentially prolonged periods, depending on the severity of the damage and availability of materials.
It also adds additional strain to Eskom’s ability to provide electricity adequately.
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Moahlodi said that the transformers from which oil has been siphoned overheat and explode, causing power outages in large areas as well as fatalities.
“Tampering with Eskom infrastructure is affecting your electricity supply and personal safety,” she said.
She further said that the theft of the metal beams that are part of electricity pylons, also known as pylon members, result in the entire tower being compromised.
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“With the recent heavy rains, Eskom received numerous reports of cases where weakened towers were near collapse and live high-voltage lines could have caused serious harm to any person or animal coming in contact with them. Furthermore, these lines service nearby towns and when damaged, businesses, mines and communities are all without power as a result of the theft,” she said.
She added that despite the enormous danger that perpetrators face, these illegal acts continue to persevere.
“Communities need to be vigilant and report such behaviour – not excuse it as being a means of survival for some, while many suffer,” she urged.
Report incidents to Eskom on 0800 11 27 22 or municipalities.
