Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2016-02-25
City Power says 45% of power outages are caused by cable theft, representing a considerable challenge to its service delivery efforts.
The power utility recently attended to a power outage in Klipspruit West, caused by cable theft leaving several areas in the dark.
Spokesperson Yumna Sheik says City Power is combating cable thieves in several ways.
“We are installing pole to ground sleeves and aerial bundled conductors across Johannesburg to deter thieves from cutting cables and bare overhead conductors.”
Sheik says City Power is also conducting educational awareness campaigns in communities most affected by cable theft.
“We are engaging with private security firms and the police to help them understand the impact of theft and vandalism on electrical infrastructure.”
While cable theft is not unique to South Africa with Countries such as Canada and Switzerland also experiencing a spike, it is estimated to cost the South African economy about R5 billion a year directly and indirectly.
Earlier this year, government tabled a Criminal Matters Amendment Bill 2015 which seek to impose more stringent sentences to suspects convicted of cable theft.
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