Desalination plant offline indefinitely owing to cable theft
The theft occurred at a time when the desalination plant was offline
THE Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is counting the cost of replacing electrical cables at the Alkantstrand Beach desalination plant after they were stolen earlier in the week.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, the theft occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.
‘The incident was discovered when engineers were conducting routine checks at the sea water intake pumps,’ he said.
‘They noticed that cables from the Variable Speed Drives (VSD) electrical panels feeding electrical current to the sea water intake pumps had been cut and stolen.
‘Forced entry was gained by breaking the locks at both the main gate and the VSD panels, to cut and remove the feed cables to the pumps.
‘The incident was reported to the police.’
The plant was offline at the time of the incident.
Ratau said the department is extremely concerned that the timing of the theft suggests the thieves knew the plant was offline.
At this stage it is unknown how long it will take to replace the stolen cables.
‘Vandalism of infrastructure is a criminal offence.
‘Cable theft poses a high risk regarding security of water supply.
‘Offences related to water infrastructure should be reported to the police, local municipality or through the department’s toll free number 0800 200200.’
ALSO READ: Desalination plant officially launched in Richards Bay
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
