Clampdown on illegal connections left residents frustrated
The disconnection of illegal electricity connections caused havoc in Jerusalema informal settlement
Frustrated residents of Delmore, Jerusalem and Angelo informal settlements watched as workers employed by the Ekurhuleni Electricity Department took down the electrical cables which were supplying them with electricity.
Tons of electrical cables, which were illegally connected by residents in these areas, were disconnected and confiscated during an operation on the morning of September 22.
The operation started as early as 3am and lasted until 3pm.
A large number of police and EMPD officers were also part of the operation.
Thousands of residents from these informal settlements were allegedly stealing electricity from the municipality by means of illegal connections to their shacks.
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In Jerusalema, while the operation was ongoing, residents retaliated with violence towards the police and the workers.
The entrance to Jerusalem informal settlement along Main Reef Road was closed as residents blocked the road with burning tyres.
The heavily armed police and EMPD members controlled and tried to tame the fuming community members.
Meanwhile, in Angelo informal settlements the situation remained calm.
According to residents in Delmore, they were tired of waiting for the municipality to install electricity in the area that is why they resorted to connecting their own electricity.
The Advertiser has sought comment from the municipality about the operation.
Also Read: Illegal connections cause headaches for residents, metro
Also Read: Metro criticised for being slow to remove illegal connections
