Residents and business owners in Kya Sand and Bloubosrand are experiencing constant power outages.
Some alleged that the ruthless stealing of electric copper cable in North Road between Inadan AG holdings and Bloubosrand, is the cause of these power outages.
An eight-metre copper cable was recently stolen within two days of installation.
Ward 96 councillor Matome Mafokwane argued that the cable theft trend surfaced when overhead power lines were moved underground, as they were tripping during windy conditions.
“Business owners are complaining that this trend is severely affecting their businesses,” explained Ward 96 councillor Matome Mafokwane.
During his oversight visit he found that thieves had again stolen another cable in the same spot.
Mafokwane pleaded with City Power to intensify its security and deploy guards in the area, who could constantly patrol.
He added, “City Power should introduce measures that would deter thieves from snatching our cables, as this is costing ratepayers lot of money.”
The councillor plans to send a petition to the MEC for Infrastructure Development and hopes to get support from at least 1 000 residents and business owners who are affected.
“Business people are the backbone of our economy and if this problem persists, they will shut down their businesses and most residents will lose their jobs,” Mafokwane said.
City Power spokesperson Hloni Motloung confirmed they experienced cable theft on 12 and 14 August.
“Our Loss Control Department was on site and they assisted us to patrol and monitor the area and they also place surveillance guards in the area to monitor the area from a distance,” explained Motloung.
He indicated that they have placed cables deeper than the normal one metre in the ground at those spots, and also cast it in concrete.
“We encourage residents to report incidents of cable theft or suspected criminal activity,” said Motloung.
According to him, it would enable the utility to track trends and dispatch resources where they were needed most.
“Trolley-pushers, vehicles, or other suspicious activity should be reported to City Power’s control room on the following numbers: 011 490 7911/7900/7553 or toll-free, on 0800 003 251,” he concluded.
Details: Ward 96 Councillor Matome Mafokwane 0824 854 4950 City Power 011 490 7607.
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