For the third time in just two months, Bazil Drift from Harwood Street in Promosa says the electrical cables in his area have been stolen.
According to Drift, this is the longest time he has had to survive without power, and it has become extremely frustrating. “We have had over seven days without power, and every day has been a struggle,” he said. “Our phones are flat, some of our food was spoilt, and it is difficult to get the children ready for school in the morning.” After numerous calls, Bazil finally got help on Tuesday, 9 May.
At the time, he was the only one in his street whose cables had been stolen. Fortunately for him, his sister-in-law lives on the same street and could assist them by storing some of their food. “Municipal workers even told us to buy cables, and only then would we receive assistance. That is difficult since my wife and I are unemployed,” he said.
A municipal worker, who asked not to be named, said they now tell residents to buy cables because the municipality has been without materials for over two months. “At the rate that the cables disappear, it is nearly impossible for the municipality to keep up due to the high costs involved,” he said. According to the worker, each meter costs about R160.
Residents, however, are urged to beware as cable theft is an increasing problem throughout Potch. A few weeks ago, residents reported the same issue on Stanley Street in Promosa. Cables have also been stolen near the community swimming pool on Kleurpoort Street.
One of the residents in the street, who asked to remain anonymous, says whenever there is load shedding, they have taken it upon themselves to be on the lookout. This seems to have helped, as no cables in front of their homes have been stolen yet.
Although Col Amanda Funani, police spokesperson, confirmed that no cable theft cases had been reported over the last few months, the acting municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite says there are no mechanisms the municipality can employ to address the cable theft as it takes place during load shedding.
“It is a pity we cannot put inverters on every street light as it is an expensive exercise,” she said. “We do, however, depend residents to guard against cable theft as it has serious financial implications and safety issues for the community,” she added.
Tshite added that some residents of the informal settlements make illegal connections around the city. The municipality believes the cables stolen in these areas are used for these purposes. “Buying their cables is informed by the burden placed on the municipality as we replace those lines. But then, if not connected to households, they will be stolen again,” she said. However, Tshite added that it is common practice that the line to the household remains the user’s responsibility.
