- A decision by the power utility Eskom to switch off a mini-substation in Section 39 in Makhaza has led to the suspension of key services in the area.
- Eskom announced the decision to switch off the substation outside Solomon Mahlangu Hall due to frequent vandalism.
- Ward 95 councillor Ayanda Tetani said the move has affected services by the Men’s Clinic and completely halted his work.
A decision by the power utility Eskom to switch off a vandalised mini-substation in Section 39 in Makhaza has led to the suspension of key services in the area.
Last week, on Thursday 26 October, Eskom announced a decision to switch off the substation outside Solomon Mahlangu Hall due to frequent vandalism.
Eskom said it had to weigh all the options and took the “difficult but correct decision” to ensure the equipment does not become a safety hazard to the community.
“The mini-substation has been repaired three times already, even though a security cage was installed to protect the network equipment,” Eskom said in a statement. “Theft and vandalism of Eskom infrastructure in the area persists and is costing Eskom millions to repair and replace.”
Mbulelo Yedwa, Eskom General Manager of the Cape Coastal Cluster, said: “Successfully combating theft and vandalism requires a partnership between Eskom and the community to protect our electricity infrastructure. Vandalising Eskom infrastructure leads to prolonged unplanned outages for our communities and paying customers.”
He said it is the paying customers who suffer when criminals steal and vandalise. “We need the community to take a stand against electricity-related crimes so we can bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Ward 95 councillor Ayanda Tetani said the move has affected services by the Men’s Clinic and completely halted his work. Tetani, whose office is situated at the hall, said the past three weeks have been difficult. He blamed the problem on izinyoka connecting the electricity illegally to the substation and ultimately stealing a cage.
Tetani said it is unclear when will the problem be fixed with a number of options on the table. “We are having a crisis and it is affecting the entire community.”
Report incidents on the Eskom Toll-Free Crime Hotline 0800 11 27 22 or the local police. Callers may remain anonymous.