GEORGE NEWS - Increasingly, Izinyoka (illegal electricity connections) in Thembalethu is not only costing the municipality, it's also disturbing electricity flow in the area, resulting in countless power failures and threatening human life.
Costly
According to George Municipality Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services, Kobus Wilken, illegal connections/stealing of electricity is a major problem for the municipality, with about 15% of electricity-related issues in Thembalethu stemming from tampering with electricity lines and boxes.
He said the cost implications are extensive, not only because of the repairs needed to damaged lines and boxes, but also the lack of income from those not willing to pay. Tampering often causes damage to municipal electricity boxes, which inconveniences those who are paying for electricity and costs the municipality up to R10 000 per box in repairs.
Danger
"Illegal connections are very dangerous - to those who tamper as well as innocent children and animals who play near or walk by open lines, all of whom risk electrocution and death. Tampering is also among the major causes of fires in informal settlements, because the electricity overload safety switches (circuit breakers) are often removed when illegal connections draw too much electricity," said Wilken. Last week two cows were reported electrified due to illegal electricity connections, which proves that animals are also in danger.
Izinyoka is a criminal offence
He said the municipality removes illegal connections as they are identified, and criminal cases are opened against the persons suspected of stealing electricity. Regular information sessions are held with communities to raise awareness of the dangers and other implications of illegal connections.
"Citizens are reminded that only the municipality may legally connect electricity where an agreement has been made between the user and the municipality. Individuals are not allowed to 'sell' or share electricity by connecting a line from their boxes to a neighbour. Such lines overload the system, which then causes the damage, danger and fires."
Report illegal cables
Wilken warned that illegal cables that lie open on the ground are very dangerous to people and animals and should be reported immediately.
Illegal connections can be reported to the electrotechnical department on 044 801 9222 or 044 801 6300 after hours.
ARTICLE: ZOLANI SINXO
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