Update on power problems in Bryanston
BRYANSTON - Plans in place to prevent cable theft after Bryanston left in the dark for days.
According to City Power, on 22 May areas of Bryanston experienced power outages due to a technical problem at the Khanyisa sub-station.
As a result, Country Life Park, Solridge, Bryanston, Vandia Grove and Mill Hill were without power. Power was fully restored midday on 23 May after the repair process was completed.
Ward 103 councillor, Vincent Earp has confirmed that power had been restored to houses on Boekenhout Street and East River Road that were affected by a spate of cable theft incidents over the weekend, however, a River Road resident who wished to remain anonymous has reported other worrisome news. “Streetlights on River Road have been out of order for over two weeks now, and it makes the road a soft target for cable thieves,” the resident said.
Read: Substation fire causes widespread power outage
City Power’s Yumna Sheik responded to complaints of cable theft in the area. “To combat cable thieves City Power has deployed various interventions across the city. City Power is installing pole-to-ground sleeves and aerial bundled conductors across Johannesburg to deter thieves from cutting cables and bare overhead conductors. In addition, aerial bundled conductors are made of aluminium and are of no value to cable thieves,” said Sheik.
“City Power’s own response vehicles patrol high-risk areas for theft and vandalism. However, because of the large areas, it is difficult to prevent every incident without assistance from affected communities.”
Regarding faulty streetlights, Sheik stated that the timers that were installed on streetlights have become a target of unabated theft. This has resulted in streetlights illuminating throughout the day, a situation that drastically reduced the lifespan of the lamps and which also frustrated efforts to conserve electricity.
The utility encouraged residents to report incidents of cable theft or suspected criminal activity, as this enabled them to track trends and to dispatch resources to where they are needed most. Trolley-pushers, vehicles, or other suspicious activities should be reported to City Power’s control room which operates 24-hours a day on the following numbers: 011 490 7911/7900/7553, or on the toll-free number 0800 003 251.
Details: Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp 079 882 2652.
Read more:
Fire and theft keeps Bryanston in the dark
