Electricity infrastructure secured

The Florida Block Watch (FBW) has managed to effectively secure all the electricity switching stations within their area.

According to FBW chairperson John Kirsten, it was a long and arduous process, but one that bore fruit. Not a single incident of theft or vandalism has occurred at any of the switching stations within their area since they completed securing the stations in October 2022.

“The challenge was to come up with an affordable and effective way to secure the switching stations,” he says. “Luckily, our team, in conjunction with City Power and some local private security providers, came up with a viable way.”

The switching stations were secured by having alarm systems installed at each one, as well as implementing a simple, yet highly effective locking mechanism, ensuring that criminals would have a hard time accessing the locks.

Alarm systems at the switching stations are being monitored by two local security companies.

“We considered a range of ideas, but we have found these measures to be the most effective and affordable.”

This project would not have been successful without a strong team that undertook negotiations and forged an agreement with City Power regarding the securement of electricity infrastructure.

Kirsten says that the FBW appointed Sybrandt van Wyk as its project manager in this initiative.

“We have to commend Sybrandt for his outstanding leadership with this project. He and his team consisting of FBW members Joe Lazarus, Andrew Damoense, Bert Sorgdrager, Hennie van Niekerk, and Pieter Swart did an outstanding job.

“Hennie and Pieter were also instrumental in ensuring that the physical work was done effectively, on time, and within budget.

“We have to also thank the residents who contributed financially toward this project. It has certainly made a huge difference within the community.”

Kirsten adds that Sergeant Thela from City Power’s Risk Management department was also instrumental in getting this project off the ground.

The FBW is currently on a mission to secure the last remaining mini-substations in their area.

“Out of the 51 mini-sub units, we have already secured 26,” says Kirsten. “Unfortunately, this does take some doing as there are some costs involved in securing them.

“We are currently raising funds for the work and materials required,” says Kirsten, adding that with funds currently available, the FBW will secure a further five or six units in the coming week.