Say “no” to illegal connections, warns Eskom
Following the recent electrification of households in kaMaqhekeza and Mjejane, Eskom has warned new users not to return to using electricity illegally.
KAMAQHEKEZA – Eskom has warned residents of Nkomazi against illegal electricity connections and tampering with meters, as this could lead to legal action such as fines or even arrests, or result in injuries or fatalities.
Electricity theft includes illegally connecting cables to the electricity grid, tampering with and bypassing meters, buying and selling illegal prepaid electricity vouchers, non-payment and stealing infrastructure such as cables and transformers.
KaMaqhekeza is notorious for its deadly illegal connections and users who were connected to the national grid were urged not to go back to using electricity illegally.
During a visit to the area by the media and Eskom employees, the group witnessed many dangerously exposed wires from illegal electricity connections that crisscross the ground along roads and between houses. One cable was sparking near where children were playing.
READ: Electricity theft a major problem in Nkomazi
Eskom connected 280 houses in the area and 93 in Mjejane Phase 3 to the national grid on May 30.
Mjejane Phase 3 was established in 2009 and due to the lack of formal infrastructure, many residents in the area resorted to obtaining illegal electricity connections.
Following the electrification of some houses at the end of May, Ms Ellena Tivane, one of the beneficiaries was overjoyed.
“This place has always been bushy, without proper roads, water and electricity. I am happy that electricity has been delivered to our houses for free. The days of using candles for basic lighting are over,” she said.
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Her fellow residents stated that the provision of electricity will greatly assist in making their lives more comfortable and enable them to cook inside and do work after dark without worrying about the fire hazard of lamps and candles.
Some community members committed to refrain from meter tampering and other forms of irregularities.
Residents were encouraged to only purchase electricity from approved Eskom vendors. If you are not sure where you can legally purchase it, visit the Eskom office for the Kamhlushwa Hub or call 086-003-7566.
Not only residents in rural areas are guilty of electricity theft. According to Eskom’s statistics about 54 per cent actually occurs at businesses.
If you suspect that electricity theft is taking place, you can send an anonymous SMS to 32211 (R1 per SMS). The information will then be sent to municipal or Eskom workers to follow up.
