City explores electricity solutions amid protests over cable theft in Schaapkraal

The City said it was exploring solutions to end power outages and electricity supply to ratepaying residents who are victims of cable theft and vandalism by neighbouring informal settlements.

Irate residents, who have been living in Schaapkraal, Philippi for over 40 years and asked not to be identified, in fear of victimization, said they have called on the City to provide Pre-paid Meters to informal settlements such as Egoli which is privately owned.

“This Egoli settlement illegal electricity issue has been an ongoing problem for many years and we, as paying residents in the area, are suffering because every time the City disconnects the electricity the people protest and burn the toilets and the electricity boxes,” said a female resident.

“We suggested to the City many years ago that they should install a supply there as lots of the houses are on City property as well. 

“About ten meters on the road, which only supplies Egoli as the property is privately owned and owner don't want to give permission for the City to put in prepaid boxes.”

Earlier this month, protestors burnt and vandalised electrical infrastructure leaving residents in the dark.

Ward councillor, Elton Jansen said in response to the protests that he had requested an urgent legal opinion to be obtained on a solution.

“Egoli is on private property, and without the permission of the property owner The City cannot provide electricity, which leads to illegal connections,” he said earlier.

“The city also can not leave the unsafe illegal connections unattended as it is a safety hazard - *children can be electrocuted.*

“This matter is currently receiving the attention of all senior officials and Mayco.”

Riyad Isaac, Party Leader: United South Africa (USA), who has been advocating for the rights of residents in Schaapkraal said they called for a permanent solution to end the infrastructural damage and vandalism and delays to rate payers.

“This is not a new phenomenon as it is synonymous with the Schaapkraal area. I would have expected the City officials to avail Law Enforcement officials for a longer period of time and arrest any person who makes themselves guilty of damaging infrastructure,” he said.

“A permanent solution needs to be sought as ratepayers cannot be held hostage in their own community, let alone be inconvenienced by this mishap. 

“Residents are also unhappy as this matter has been coming on for so long with no end in sight. Residents are also tired of being told that it was referred to the Mayco members and senior officials with no tangible solutions. 

“It is completely unacceptable that years have passed us by and we continue to hear the issue of the matter being referred to City officials.”

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, said they were looking at avenues to remedy the problem.

“The City is exploring all possible long-term electricity solutions for Schaapkraal residents affected by the ongoing electricity supply interruptions caused by illegal connections and vandalism in the neighbouring informal settlement that is situated on privately-owned land, a fact which brings a host of practical and legal implications,” she said.

 "We are carrying out regular illegal connection disconnection operations in the area to protect our electricity infrastructure. 

Cape Argus