City Power has intensified its efforts in the battle against cable theft and vandalism. The entity deployed a patrol vehicle which patrols high-risk areas based on theft and vandalism statistics.
Together with the patrol vehicle, the entity has also intensified its working relationship with SAPS and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
“City Power also conducts joint operations with SAPS on scrap metal dealers from time to time because that is where cable thieves sell stolen cables,” said the entity spokesperson Yumna Sheikh.
According to the entity an unexpected power outage which affected various suburbs in Randburg and Roodepoort on 22 January was caused by cable theft.
“A cable theft incident on Rabie Street and Monkor Road caused a power failure in Boskruin and Blairgowrie. A cable fault at Christiaan de Wet substation affected a number of suburbs,” she explained.
Areas affected were Wilgeheuwel, Struben’s Valley, Honeydew, Laser Park, MTN Campus, Constantia Kloof, Weltevreden Park, Panorama, Allen’s Nek and Little Falls.
“City Power is installing aerial conductor cables (ABC) across the city of Johannesburg to prevent cables being stolen by cable thieves. Another reason is that ABC cable is made of aluminium and is of no value to cable thieves,” she continued.
The entity is also conducting educational awareness in communities that are highly affected by cable theft.
#Cabletheftstop We conduct educational awareness in communities and other forums about cable theft to raise awareness and get buy-inagainst
— @CityPowerJhb (@CityPowerJhb) January 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/CityPowerJhb/status/691916998339661824]
Sheikh appealed to residents to be on the lookout for suspicious construction vehicles working on electrical network whether marked or unmarked and report them to the control room which operates 24 hours a day.
The numbers are 011 490 7911/7900/7553 and residents can alternatively call the toll free number, 0800 003 251.
“Residents should also report trolley pushers to the above-mentioned numbers should they suspect them of cable theft,” she concluded.
The entity has also started a process of applying concrete on surfaces where cables have been laid.
Details: City Power 011 490 7607.
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