MUNICIPAL teams continued their crackdown on illegal infrastructure near Solomon Mahlangu Drive on The Bluff on July 3.

Two kilometres of unauthorised electricity cables were removed during the operation.

The operation forms part of an ongoing campaign by eThekwini Municipality to address the proliferation of illegal electricity connections in the area.

Also read: Illegal electricity theft continues despite raids

As the teams were removing the cables, some informal dwellers became angry and hurled stones at the security officers. However, the teams continued removing the cables.

The recent operation was one of several that have been conducted in recent months along Solomon Mahlangu Drive as authorities continue to curb electricity theft.

Operations manager for Fitama Protection Services Richard Hawksworth said the operation was a success.

He emphasised that the fight against illegal connections will continue on The Bluff and surrounding areas.

Last year, Transnet board chairperson Dr Andile Sangqu, during his keynote address, said Transnet Freight Rail accounted for more than 90% of the incidents reported in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Also read: eThekwini intensifies crackdown on illegal connections

However, Sangqu noted that cable theft incidents decreased from 4400 to 3501 last year.

“With a 27% reduction in cable thefts, we recognise the magnitude of our challenges and are committed to putting the organisation on a sustainable path,” said Sangqu.

He said, this promoted their decision to put the organisation on a sustainable path. “This prompted our decision to implement the 18-month Transnet Recovery Plan in October 2023. Key elements of this recovery journey include a strong commitment to capital expenditure.

“In the next five years, we plan to spend R127b with approximately 84.7% of this expenditure earmarked for maintenance and refurbishment of infrastructure. In 2024/2025 financial year our capital expenditure was R24b which points out to our intent to enhance our operational capacity and facilitate future growth,” Sangqu said.

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