A SPECIAL task team to curb the illegal connection of electricity cables at Masinenge informal settlement has been launched.
‘Operation Clean-up’ was formed after two children were electrocuted at the settlement recently. The team consists of representatives from Eskom, AfriForum, Wolf Security and the Uvongo Neighbourhood Watch.
Contractors appointed by Eskom removed cables and wires which had been used for illegal electricity connections on Tuesday this week.
“Vineshia Chetty from Eskom’s Department of Securities in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that this sting operation was authorised after the two children were electrocuted,” said Wessel Pretorius, treasurer of the AfriForum Margate branch.
“To disconnect illegal electricity connections and remove the cables and wires will cost Eskom in the region of R60 000. The estimated value of the wires and cables disconnected in this operation is about R100 000. The cost to taxpayers in terms of electricity blackouts and the damage caused to machinery is running into the millions,” said Mr Pretorius.
AfriForum Margate is on a drive to make the Margate community, SAPS and Eskom aware of the total disregard for health and safety in this area. AfriForum will assist affected residents and businesses to lay criminal charges at SAPS, and follow through to put a stop to this.
To become part of the team saying ‘no’ to illegal electricity connections, sms ‘electricity’ to 45267 R1/SMS.
