Theft cripples ward infrastructure

Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro called on residents to report incidents of cable theft as this cripples infrastructure in the ward.

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“The scale of theft of metal and scrap increased in recent months and is rendering the ward’s infrastructure vulnerable. The items stolen include manhole covers and electricity cables. CoE spends millions of rands each year and unreplaceable hours trying to repair, replace and protect the infrastructure,” Guerreiro said.

“Precious resources are being used to ensure the integrity and protection of the infrastructure as opposed to channelling them to the ward’s betterment.”

He said since November 2021, the ward reported incidents of 48 cables stolen. Three stop signs, four manhole covers, and two stormwater supports were stolen.

“Fifteen streetlight cables were cut and stolen and two streetlights were completely removed. Two train stations were vandalised and seven sub-station doors stolen highway fence stolen,”

He said these incidents place strain on the Department of Energy in its response to power outages in Germiston.

“The situation has been exacerbated by load-shedding. The turnaround time on issues is prolonged due to the constant need to replace stolen cables or repair damaged infrastructure,” said Guerreiro.

“Law enforcement is struggling to cope due to a lack of resources available in relation to the proliferation of theft.

“As part of the CoE’s ‘back-to-basics’ approach, we are working tirelessly to ensure that service delivery meets the standards residents expect and we call on residents to report incidents of theft to law enforcement,” he said.