The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) commented on concerns raised after the Elandsfontein community took to the streets to protest against poor service delivery.
GCN previously reported the CoE was requested to comment on illegal electricity connections and illegal dumping.
Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, the communications and media relations officer at CoE, said the electricity network in the Elandsfontein area is under severe pressure.
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“Overload trips and damage to cables and distribution infrastructure are caused by a high level of illegal connections, as well as tampering, vandalism and theft on the network,” he said.
Cebekhulu said the city conducted removal of illegal connection operations in the area and is doing repairs on the electrical network.
He added that the municipality will engage in the removal of illegal connections operations which will be carried out with frequent follow-up operations.
“The energy department, EMPD and security service provider contractor are working to curb incidents of theft. The message should be clear to criminals that it is not worth stealing, as those who are arrested will be prosecuted in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015. Removal of illegal connections is an ongoing process.”
The Emabondeni informal settlement is located on land owned by Prasa/Transnet.
“The informal settlement is not earmarked for relocation,” said Cebekhulu.
He said resolving the electricity issues is a complex challenge dependent on various processes to be in place.
“The electrification of informal settlements can only be done on municipal-owned land and only after re-blocking is done. Only successful negotiations with Prasa/Transnet or relocation of residents of Emabondeni will create an environment for a permanent solution,” he said.
Primrose CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin confirmed the municipality restored power in Elandsfontein following residents’ protest.
“Most illegal connections were removed, as far as I know. There are still a few illegal connections that need to be removed. I contacted MEC Faith Mazibuko the day of the protest, an Ekurhuleni official contacted me in return immediately after talking to Mazibuko to say they would assist.
“The residents informed me that afternoon that the official was there taking photos and illegal connections were being removed,” said Enslin.
Enslin said illegal dumping remains a concern all over Primrose.
“I did, however, see cleaning staff from Ekurhuleni council on our roads on July 10.”
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