City operation targets illegal power links in Ferndale
Acting Executive Mayor Kenny Kunene led a city operation in Ferndale to remove illegal electricity connections and inspect damage caused by informal encampments.
Acting Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene led a high-impact service delivery operation in Ferndale and across parts of the city on July 2. The initiative aimed to address illegal electricity connections and inspect homeless encampments under bridges, which are believed to be contributing to infrastructure damage.
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The operation, carried out in partnership with City Power, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Home Affairs, and other departments, was part of a broader clean-up and law enforcement drive.
In Ferndale, the focus was on removing illegal electricity connections that strain the city’s power supply. “We are assisting residents to ease the burden on City Power by disconnecting illegal connections,” said Kunene. “Law-abiding citizens end up without electricity because of these connections.”
According to Kunene, many of the buildings and informal dwellings receiving illegal power are occupied by undocumented foreign nationals. He claimed these structures not only draw unregistered electricity and water, but also damaged city infrastructure and led to revenue losses.
“The bridge on Smith [Road] has collapsed twice in less than a year,” he said, pointing to encampments and illegal activities beneath the city’s bridges as contributing factors.
The operation also highlighted the city’s struggles with hijacked buildings and uncollected service fees, which Kunene said affect more than 600 properties. He explained that illegal redirection of water and electricity makes it difficult for the city to monitor consumption and pay its debts, including those owed to Eskom.
The presence of Home Affairs officials allowed authorities to begin verifying the legal status of occupants during the operation. Kunene commended one of the department’s staff members for their active involvement. “This is a job-creation effort for South Africans. We’re not just removing cables; we’re protecting infrastructure and creating safer, cleaner communities.”
The operation is part of an ongoing campaign by the City of Johannesburg to enforce by-laws, recover revenue, and improve service delivery.
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