The Record recently reported on Witpoortjie’s frequent power outages. These interruptions usually come without warning and on average can last from an hour up to a few days.
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena subsequently provided feedback on the matter.
“Yes, City Power is aware of the constant unplanned outages affecting Witpoortjie and its surrounds. Our infrastructure is severely under threat, with theft and vandalism adding to the many existing challenges,” he said.
“Therefore, City Power has contracted armed response tasked with increasing visible patrols. However, due to the magnitude of the network infrastructure, it is impractical to protect every piece of the network.”
City Power is embarking on a drive to collaborate with CPFs and other community-based structures to protect the network. Collaborative partnerships with communities, sector policing forums, the private security sector and law-enforcement agencies are the only sustainable solution to protect the electricity network infrastructure.
In addition, City Power is replacing copper cables with aluminium to reduce the spate of thefts.
“Vandalism and cable theft are major challenges to our infrastructure. When criminal elements affect the infrastructure it becomes a costly expenditure; as it stands the City incurs R2 billion in non-technical losses,” Mangena concluded.
Residents are encouraged to report essential infrastructure related matters to City Power’s Security Control on 011 490 7900/ 7911/ 7553 or to their local law enforcement.
