IN the past six weeks, 10 City Power mini substations were vandalised in Roodeport, West Rand, making it difficult to keep up with the demand of replacing materials timeously.
City Power spokesman Isaac Mangena said an estimated amount of R8,6 million is needed to replace the vandalised infrastructure, however the electricity utility is making progress in replacing vandalised electricity infrastructure across Roodepoort.
Mangena said this comes amid an alarming rate of vandalism in the area. One of the vandalised mini substations at Nestegg that left customers in parts of Littlefalls and Wilgeheuwel off for a prolonged duration has been replaced.
“The outage resulted in community protests. We are pleased to announce that the team has replaced and restored power supply. Additionally, several other outstanding pole-mounted transformers in the Roodepoort area have been replaced as well. As we continue addressing the rampant challenge of vandalism at a cost of approximately R800 000 per mini substation, excluding sundries and labour, an estimated R8,6 million is needed to replace the vandalised infrastructure,” explained Mangena.
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The mini substations that were vandalised include Augrabies Avenue, Little Falls, Madeline Street, Florida, Sonderend Street, Helderkruin, Crous Avenue, Helderkruin, Tshepisong, Harry Gwala, Alverstoke, Strubensvalley, Banfield Switching Station (Davys Street), Wilropark, Pafuri and Johan Road, and Honeydew.
Mangena said they have so far replaced five of the 10 mini substations at a cost of about R5 million and they're working towards securing the balance.
“As committed as we are to restoring power in the shortest space of time, we find ourselves in a predicament where we are unable to manage the high incidents of vandalism and theft we are facing at this time. City Power has a programme in place to secure our infrastructure through palisade fencing, padlocks and an advanced security system. This programme has proved to be quite successful,” he said.
He said that it seems when they secure the infrastructure, the syndicate moves to a different area using the same modus operandi to carry out their organised criminal activities.
