The metro is working on a densification and re-blocking programme for informal settlements before electrification can commence.
This is according to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, reacting to the rising tension in Reiger Park and Joe Slovo informal settlement over illegal connections.
Gadebe said the transformer and breakers have been upgraded at the Reiger Park substation and the metro is in the process of installing a third feeder cable to provide electricity to the area which will further strengthen the network and will increase the stability of the electrical supply.
“The City is continuously strengthening the network for effectiveness and conducting consumer education to educate consumers about illegal connections, theft and vandalism and the negative effect thereof on the electrical network.
“The City has put together a Joint Venture Task Team headed by EMPD Cable Theft Unit that includes SAPS, Energy Department and various CoE-appointed security service providers.
“This task team will primarily focus on analysing incidents trends and modes of operation, identifying hotspot areas, forensic investigation of incidents and implementation of mitigation plans to reduce the number of theft incidents.
“Specific areas have been identified where cable theft is taking place frequently and stationary guards are placed at the site.
“It should be noted that this action may mitigate the theft action from taking place within the area but the guards may be held at gunpoint and the cables stolen.
“This happened on September 17 when the guards were locked up at the Reiger Park Civic Centre and cables were subsequently stolen.”
Gadebe said the metro is aware of the continuous theft and is in the process of advertising a crime prevention contract with specialised technology that will assist to mitigate the theft of council infrastructure.
The contract will include specialised technology measures.
The following preventative measures are currently in place:
- Placement of physical security guards to monitor and patrol hotspot areas.
- Ad hoc patrolling of hotspot areas by EMPD and CoE-appointed security service providers.
- Replacement of theft-prone copper conductor cables with aluminium conductor cables at hotspot cable routes.
- Installation of remote-controlled protective enclosures at miniature substations, kiosks and meter boxes to reduce incidents of earth and neutral conductors’ theft on the low voltage and streetlights networks.
Gadebe said most security systems installed in the Energy Distribution Network in regards to cable, conductor, pole and pylon theft/vandalism are non-preventative systems.
“In other words, the City is aware of the theft/vandalism after it has happened and then react on that. In most cases, damages are already made and a preventative system/s are required to ensure not only that equipment is not damaged but that criminals are also apprehended,” Gadebe said.
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