Copper theft the cause of power outages in Waterfall, Crestholm
An official from the municipality says that an ageing electricity network, with old overhead copper lines, is also the cause of frequent power outages.
THE eThekwini Municipality has said that it has established that the persistent power outages affecting the Waterfall, Crestholme areas are primarily the result of copper theft.
This follows a community meeting held in Waterfall, Crestholme on Saturday, November 22, where residents expressed their frustrations over failing infrastructure.
At the meeting, ratepayers were informed by a representative from the municipality that an ageing electricity network, with old overhead copper lines, was also the cause of frequent power outages.
Residents were also informed that only one of four transformers at the local substation is functional and that there is a maintenance backlog at the municipality.
Also read: Communities demand infrastructure upgrades
The two new transformers which are being installed are expected to be commissioned around October or November 2026, the meeting heard.
With regards to water supply issues, residents were told that old pipes, which burst frequently, are yet to be replaced.
A follow-up meeting for December was set where an update is expected to be provided to residents.
With regards to copper theft, the municipality’s spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said: “The electricity circuit supplying this community extends into the Molweni area, where ongoing cable theft has led to repeated interruptions in service. As a short-term intervention, the Energy Directorate is assessing options to reconfigure the circuit and introduce additional protective measures to reduce the impact of infrastructure theft on electricity supply.
“The team also observed that a number of trees are encroaching on power lines. Many of these trees are located on private property. The city will therefore work closely with affected community members and the Recreations and Parks Directorate to determine which trees are indigenous and which may be removed to safeguard electrical infrastructure.”
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
