Eskom has shown huge concern about the increase of repeated theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Roodepoort.
This follows the damage that resulted in two pylons collapsing to the ground after they were stripped of their supporting beams during an incident of theft of steel.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/08/30/watch-missing-beams-on-electrical-pylons-on-main-reef-road/
The first pylon fell to the ground near Matholesville last month, after losing stability. The persistent scourge saw another pylon collapse in Fordsburg recently. Both incidents happened along Main Reef Road. These incidents reflect the reality of the many other pylons standing along Main Reef Road, where they could just be the next victims on the list.
Sadly, the MMC for Economic Development and Ward 97 councillor, Leah Knott, commented that the scourge was jeopardising the security of the Roodepoort power network.
A statement released by Eskom stated the following: Eskom constantly inspects, monitors and fixes defects; however, vandalism has been the main cause of the structure’s collapse. Eskom is concerned about the increase of repeated theft and vandalism on the pylons, as experienced with the recent collapse of a transmission tower in the Roodepoort area. This does not only compromise the integrity of the network, but also causes prolonged power supply interruptions affecting customers and further posing a serious risk to the public”.
The power utility also indicated in their statement that some measures are taken to prevent criminal elements.
“We have increased line and substation inspections in high risk areas in an effort to prevent the theft and vandalism of the network. It is however, not feasible to patrol and guard electricity infrastructure on a 24-hour basis given the nature of our operations and asset base,” the statement read.
Furthermore, Eskom said they are working with authorities to combat equipment theft. “Members of the public are cautioned to stay clear of the [power] lines and to report any suspicious activities, theft or vandalism of electrical infrastructure at the local police station, or to send an anonymous SMS to Crime Line on 32211, or contact the Eskom toll-free number, 0800 112 722.”
In addition, they also indicated that they are also replacing the old equipment with less vulnerable infrastructure. “Eskom is currently replacing the stolen tower members as part of routine maintenance, and we are also replacing damaged lattice towers with mono-poles as part of phasing out the infrastructure that is prone to theft,” the statement concluded.
