A public meeting to address community concerns around cable theft was held at Rusthof Primary School last Monday (4 November).
Officials the City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate met with residents and members of the Rusthof Neighbourhood Watch, in a bid to address frustrations around high cable theft that has left households without power and most streets in the Strand community without lights.
According to proportional representative (PR) councillor Unathi Lasiti, the meeting focused on three aspects on which residents could engage municipal officials. “Residents were informed that the directorate was in the process of procuring alternative conductors to copper,” Lasiti said.
“These conductors, should they be stolen, would be worth nothing in terms of monetary value and thus would discourage cable theft in the area. Residents were encouraged to communicate this to the community so that even those responsible for cable theft understand that it would be futile for them to steal something that they cannot sell.”
Lasiti added that the project will be prioritised in Rusthof to determine whether cable theft is reduced through the alternative conductors.
During the meeting, residents were also informed that the directorate is investigating the possibility of change the electrification of the Rusthof area from overhead to underground reticulation within the next two to three years.
“Officials also mentioned that, through partnership with the City’s Directorate for Safety and Security, they are now in the process of getting drone surveillance to assist in apprehending the culprits responsible for cable theft,” Lasiti said.
He thanked all residents who attended, as well as City officials Wesley Barthus (co-ordinator: Helderberg District – Energy Directorate), Andy Crouse, (CTE liaison officer, electricity generation and distribution) and Andile Mcosana, (superintendent: electricity generation and distribution).
Lasiti also acknowledged Ziswe Mxobo and Asanda Mthobeni, officials from the office of the Mayoral Committee member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, for attending the gathering.
“A second meeting will be held early next year to discuss the progress made as per commitments made during the meeting,” assured Lasiti.
