Klipspruit listed as one of the troublesome areas by Eskom
Eskom alleged that in the week of June 17 to 21 their offices across the Gauteng Operating Unit experienced violent protest marches.
Since Eskom’s introduction of prepaid meters, there has never been peace between the power utility and some residents in Soweto.
Eskom alleged that in the week of June 17 to 21 their offices across the Gauteng Operating Unit experienced violent protest marches, the power utility, therefore, released a statement on Monday, June 24, mentioning its most troublesome areas, and in Soweto, Klipspruit was among areas identified as hot spot areas, that bypass their meters, illegally connect themselves to the network, and vandalise electricity infrastructure, which leads to sporadic power supply interruptions.
The power utility also added that it was concerned about the frequent and increased number of incidents where its offices are blockaded, employees are sometimes assaulted, intimidated and in extreme situations, held hostage by some of the community members.
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“This harassment and intimidation are also being experienced by our employees whilst driving and operating in the field across Gauteng. The safety of Eskom employees remains a major concern at this stage, and these cases have been reported to the law enforcement agencies for further investigation.” Eskom mentioned in its statement.
Due to the increasing number of these incidents, Eskom says it is not in a position to continuously replace mini substations and pole mounted transformers in particular areas where the residents are not paying for their electricity. Non-payment for electricity has been a serious problem for the power utility as it directly impacts on its revenue and its ability to maintain infrastructure.
“It is unfortunate that extreme measures of withdrawing services in such areas are temporarily implemented to protect our employees’ safety until the area is declared safe for operations. In addition, we continue to engage with the respective communities to ensure that we resolve the issues of non-payment and safeguard electricity infrastructure for the benefit of our communities,” said the operations and maintenance Manager Motlhabane Ramashi.
Ramashi also condemned violent behaviour and urged communities to collaborate with Eskom and their respective councillors to deal adequately with electricity-related matters in the Gauteng Operating Unit.
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