The City of Joburg Region B established that vagrants were sleeping in electricity substations around the Randburg area.
The trend was noticed during a joint operation done by City Power, Pikitup and JMPD, led by the Region B office on 22 April.
Region B urban inspector Sibusiso Mavimbela said with winter approaching some displaced people apparently break into the substations to sleep inside. “We cleaned the substation and removed everything in there including beds and blankets,” he said.
He explained that they went to various hotspots around the ward and cleared the rubbish heaps probably dumped by displaced people. “It is dangerous for these people to sleep here. They might be electrocuted and die inside,” he said.
The hotspots that were cleaned included Kent Avenue in Ferndale, Noreen Avenue in Bordeaux, and under the bridge on William Nicol Drive in Bryanston.
Ward 102 Councillor David Potter said a substantial number of illegal dwellings were found in substations in the Randburg area.
“It continues to be of concern that substations are easily broken into and used as housing, with City Power largely to blame due to inadequate locking mechanisms on substations,” he explained.
He warned that the substations were often extremely dangerous to the general public. “The substations have since been cleared and secured. I appeal to residents in Ward 102 to lodge complaints about any City Power substation that is open – occupied or unoccupied – on and immediately escalate the matter to their respective ward councillors,” he mentioned.
There are officials from City Power who will re-weld doors, secure open vents and replace any broken locks.
“If you live in Ward 102 and notice an open City Power substation, I want to hear from you. Please include a photo of the substation,” he concluded.
ALL PHOTOS ARE SUPPLIED
Details: City of Joburg Region B, 011 718 9637; Ward 102 Councillor David Potter, david@oursuburb.co.za.
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