Delmas Road upgrade aims to end costly cable theft cycle
A proposed infrastructure upgrade will see underground copper cables replaced with aluminium lines, aiming to prevent theft, reduce outages and protect critical electricity and water systems.
What has been described as an organised cable theft syndicate targeting underground cable on Delmas Road could soon be a thing of the past, as the Tshwane metro moves to replace the underground copper cables with a safer aluminium overhead network.
The theft and vandalism of underground cables on Delmas Road have damaged the integrity of the electricity network in the area due to an increasing number of cable joints that are prone to failing during rainy seasons.
According to metro spokersperson Lindela Mashigo, “The cable theft has [had] a significant impact as it has been affecting areas such as the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Water Treatment Plant, Rietvlei MV Rural Line, portions of Moreleta Park, Delmas Road 1000 Engen Garage, and Delmas and Dam roads traffic lights.”
The costly copper cable theft on Delmas Road had been plaguing the area for years, draining millions of rand from the city’s coffers for repairs.
The city has applied to the Provincial Roads Department, as the owners of the servitude along the Delmas Road, to convert the existing underground cable to an aluminium overhead line network in the cable theft hotspot.
Project manager Kevin Masuku, from Euremaro Investment, the company contracted by the metro to carry out the work, said the project involves replacing a 4.2km-long 11kV line to curb cable theft.
“The underground cables have been stolen so many times, costing the municipality money for repairs, while leaving customers with prolonged power outages,” Masuku said.
He confirmed that the project will start from the corner of Delmas and Dam roads, extending eastwards along the R50 before the Villa Mall.
Masuku said the team has already completed route surveys and construction drawings, and is finalising the safety file while awaiting approval to begin work.
He expressed confidence that the overhead line would provide a long-term solution to cable theft.
According to Masuku, the project will be implemented in two phases once approved.
The first phase will cover the 2.5km from the corner of Delmas and Dam roads.
The second phase, beginning at the distribution box near the Rietvlei Nature Reserve that supplies power to the boreholes in the reserve, will complete the remaining 1.7km.
However, he noted that the second phase will depend on budget approval.
Masuku added that while the project ideally needs to extend further along Delmas Road, current budget constraints may limit work to the 4.2km section.
He also said that traffic disruptions are not expected during construction.
“We will not work too close to the road, and we aim to avoid traffic disruptions. However, on certain days when heavy machinery… is used, traffic control measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists,” he said.
During the 2023/24 financial year, a total of 41 theft incidents were reported in the area and repair work cost the city R3.6-million.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, the metro spent over R6-million to repair the medium voltage (MV) cable on Delmas Road.
Ward 91 councillor Henning Viljoen said cable theft in the area remains a major concern, affecting both electricity and water supply systems.
He explained that despite efforts to protect the infrastructure, such as placing rocks and cement barriers along the reserve fence, there was no barrier, as criminals continue to exploit unprotected sections to access and steal cables.
Viljoen said theft of medium-voltage cables has a ripple effect, as some of these lines distribute power to low-voltage cables that supply boreholes within the reserve.
“That is a big problem because the boreholes supply water to the Garsfontein Reservoir. We are already over our water quota from Rand Water, so if the boreholes do not contribute, it places additional strain on Rand Water and increases costs for the city,” he said.
Viljoen believes the installation of overhead lines will effectively eliminate cable theft in the area and resolve both electricity and water supply challenges.
According to the metro, the projected commencement date is mid-April, and it is anticipated to be completed by the end of June.
Masigho said the estimated cost of the project would be about R3-million.
He added that during the construction and installation work, power will be switched off in phases during the switch-over of the electricity supply from the current underground line to the overhead network.
“Affected consumers will be notified in advance through the established city’s communication processes and/or platforms.”
ALSO: Police recover rifles, handguns and shotgun in Hammanskraal firearm bust
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
