3 days ago
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m
Cable theft and electricity losses are spiralling out of control in the suburbs east of Pretoria, costing the metro millions.
The city spent nearly R4.9-million on repairs and maintenance in the past financial year due to cable and electricity theft, a heavy financial toll to its already strained budget.
These incidents have led to frequent power outages, disrupting daily life and business operations.
Residents also voiced concerns over the city's response, adding, 'We are paying rates and taxes, yet it feels like no one is protecting the infrastructure. We need stronger action and quicker response times.'
According to city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the direct repair costs amounted to R4 889 985,70, not including additional losses due to service disruptions and secondary infrastructure damage.
'These ongoing incidents not only cost the city millions, but also jeopardise essential services and public safety,' said Mashigo.
'The damage goes beyond the cables themselves – entire communities are affected when the power goes out.'
Mashigo said cable theft and vandalism in the east were the worst in Erasmuskloof, Armscor, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Water Works, Woodlands Mall, Woodlands Lifestyle Estate, Faerie Glen (Koedoeberg), Mooikloof, Moreleta Park and surrounding suburbs.
He said the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and private security companies were surveilling the hotspots, conducting regular patrols in identified high-risk zones.
Mashigo confirmed that supply chain management is still processing the tender for enhanced infrastructure security.
'In the interim, the TMPD is working closely with SAPS and private security partners to secure vulnerable infrastructure.'
He said cable theft and electricity infrastructure vandalism reduce the reliability and longevity of the electricity infrastructure.
MMC for Finance Eugene Modise said the metro has allocated more than R565-million to the installation of CCTV cameras, the recruitment of 200 more metro police officers from January, and the deployment of security personnel to protect its assets, including electricity infrastructure.
'Tshwane is woefully under-protected and we are pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' said Modise.
He added that the metro plans to incorporate modern technology, such as motion detectors and smart surveillance tools, to support and strengthen the efforts of ground security teams.
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