City Power has uncovered the scale of illegal electricity connections in Slam Dam, removing 12 tonnes of cables estimated to have a street value of R250 000 during a multidisciplinary operation held on Tuesday, September 15, at an unelectrified informal settlement.

The operation revealed a hazardous network of makeshift connections running throughout the settlement. Bare cables had been strung between wooden poles, buildings and along walkways, while others were left exposed and tangled across the ground, creating serious safety risks for residents.

“These types of illegal connections can contribute to overloaded transformers, damaged infrastructure, electrical fires, electrocution and repeated unplanned power interruptions,” said City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena.

“The unsafe condition of the infrastructure also makes it difficult for City Power technicians to operate and maintain the network safely.”

Mangena added that City Power has been unable to formally electrify the area due to budgetary constraints and is still engaging with the Department of Human Settlements to verify if the settlement is legal.

“We urge residents not to reinstall the illegal connections as it is dangerous to them and their children,” said Mangena. “If anyone sees someone installing them again, they need to call us or the police.”

Normalisation programme under way in Tshepisong

The operation comes weeks after City Power announced a six-month programme to restore and normalise electricity supply in Tshepisong during a community engagement called an imbizo on august 27.

The area has long been identified by the entity as one of its more problematic areas, with City Power citing rampant illegal connections and damage to electricity infrastructure leading to recurring power outages.

The entity has also previously raised concerns about revenue recovery in the area, where efforts to maintain the electricity network continue to be undermined by illegal connections, infrastructure damage and non-payment.

“City Power committed to implementing a phased normalisation programme in Tshepisong following community engagements. The intervention, however, cannot simply be about replacing failed equipment, as the entity must address the underlying causes of repeated network failures to create a sustainable electricity supply for the community.

“A total of six transformers have since been replaced as part of efforts to stabilise the electricity network and improve supply in the affected areas,” said Mangena.

“Technicians have also been on the ground conducting meter audits ahead of the normalisation work to address conditions that undermine network stability.”

Funding and community support

When asked who is funding the normalisation programme, considering that the entity is currently not generating revenue from the area, Mangena said that, following the community engagement, some residents have already started purchasing electricity and the entity is also using repairs and maintenance funds from service delivery centres.

“It is in the hands of the residents to protect the infrastructure and ensure there is no vandalism or illegal connections. After the community engagement, the attitude has changed.”