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Nov 06, 2024

Rampant fuse thefts spark concerns across ward 52 as power supply remains unstable | Rising Sun Newspapers

In a troubling escalation of power-related thefts, numerous mini substations and Customer Distribution Unit (CDU) boxes in ward 52 and neighbouring areas have fallen prey to thieves, leading to

In a troubling escalation of power-related thefts, numerous mini substations and Customer Distribution Unit (CDU) boxes in ward 52 and neighbouring areas have fallen prey to thieves, leading to frequent power outages and leaving residents without electricity.

The theft of fuses and other components has become so pervasive that DA ward councillor, Samier Singh has urgently appealed to residents to help protect these essential power sources.

“Dear residents of ward 52 and surrounding wards. As mentioned a few weeks back, there is a high volume of theft of fuses for the small CDU boxes and now even hazy link fuses from mini substations. It’s becoming a nightmare,” he said.

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Cllr Singh noted that the thefts have been reported to the acting head of electricity, who is working with urgency to find a solution. However, the repairs fall under a separate unit, causing delays in addressing the thefts and leaving power boxes unprotected.

In an effort to combat the crisis, Cllr Singh advised residents to increase vigilance around these power boxes and suggested that neighbourhood watches play an active role in safeguarding them.

“Until this is resolved, it’s highly recommended that neighbourhood watches keep a close eye on these boxes and come up with ideas to secure them,” he stated. He added that residents could even consider adding personal locks to CDU boxes, provided they clearly indicate who holds the keys to avoid unnecessary damage by repair teams.

A worrying development in the theft pattern has shown that it is not just random tampering but likely a co-ordinated operation.

“Before, it was mostly regarding CDU boxes, which feed four to six houses. Those fuses are quite easy to take out without needing a professional. But now we’re noticing that the main mini substations, which are medium voltage boxes, are being targeted. It seems like someone knowledgeable about electricity is involved, making it look like a well-planned operation,” he continued.

Cllr Singh further revealed that he raised this with the acting head of electricity, who in turn brought it to the deputy city manager of infrastructure. “I have asked residents to act as the eyes and ears, to either form a state committee or find a way to secure these boxes. Until this matter is resolved, we’re going to continue having this issue,” he said, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activity to the South African Police Service (SAPS), community security groups, or neighbourhood watches.

According to Cllr Singh, the motivations behind the fuse thefts remain unclear, though there are unconfirmed rumours that the fuses could be repurposed for illegal substances.

“I believe with the small fuses, those can be crushed and made into a drug. That’s what I’m hearing, but it’s still unconfirmed,” he mentioned, adding that, in the meantime, the loss of fuses has affected wards 52, 54, and 49 and may continue spreading.

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On Sunday, November 3, residents of Esselen awoke to no power as haze links were stolen from a mini substation during the darkness of midnight, and their woes persisted throughout the day as the municipality attempted to source fuses as they were out-of-stock.

Despite the challenges, Cllr Singh is committed to seeking assistance from the department to secure these boxes and restore stable power to the area. He has reminded affected residents to continue lodging power outage reports, ensuring that each case receives attention within a two to 24-hour period.