What concerned residents thought to be illegal connections sprouting in lower Witpoortjie was actually just a temporary solution installed by City Power.
Stemming from a mini-mast cell phone tower in Leerdam Street, which was constructed a mere few months ago, a thick black electrical chord is strung to the opposite end of the street, seemingly leading into another property. From Roodepoort’s other experiences with illegal connections, particularly in Princess and Grobler Park, residents deducted that this must be another illegal connection. They were shocked and concerned that the issue will now start plaguing Witpoortjie like it does many other suburbs.
The neighbourhood doesn’t have a potential illegal connection plague, Ward 71 councillor Gert Niemand said after he investigated the cause of concern.
“Although I believe it could have been better installed and presented, what people are concerned about is simply a temporary connection to power the substation adjacent to the cell phone tower,” he told the Record.
“According to City Power, there was a problem with the electricity to the substation which powers the tower, and they installed the chord temporarily while the issue is being investigated.”
He said it shouldn’t take long before the temporary chord is replaced with a less-concerning, lasting solution.
Niemand added the owner of the property on which corner the cell phone tower is erected was himself worried the neighbours will suspect him of stealing electricity.
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