Residents enraged over cable theft

Residents living in the areas of Radiokop, Wilgeheuwel and Ruimsig have not given 2014 a warm welcome.

They were left without power for more than a week, allegedly due to cable theft.

“Every time the power got cut off at midnight,” complained a resident of Caribbean Beach Estate located just off Paul Kruger Road in Radiokop, who requested anonymity. “Then it would only return late every afternoon after 3pm. This went on for days.”

Wilgeheuwel resident Tienie Venter related that in his area the power went out early in the mornings at about 7am and stayed off the entire day. “The Joburg Connect hotline is useless as you sit on the line the entire day,” he said. “Then when the operators eventually answer they are unable to help you.”

City Power spokesperson Sol Masolo explained cable theft was to blame and said the problem had been addressed. “Cable theft and vandalism is a recurring problem in the area. City Power will replace stolen or vandalised cables.” He added that various substations in the area needed to be replaced as well.

“Our long-term solution, however, is to apply concrete over the area where cables are running in order to make it difficult for cable thieves to steal them. The concreting is a process and it will take time before being completed.” He encouraged residents to report problems via their hotline, Joburg Connect.

At the time of going to print, power had returned full-time to Radiokop, Wilgeheuwel and Ruimsig. “We hope it will remain stable this time,” said Caribbean Beach Estate chairperson Estelle Weyers.

“But it would be great if City Power could notify us of these thefts when they occur instead of literally leaving us in the dark again.”

Details: Joburg Connect 0860 562 874.