King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality has appealed to its electricity customers to be vigilant, and immediately report acts of vandalism and sabotage to its electricity infrastructure.
The municipality says that the continued vandalism and sabotage of its electricity infrastructure may leave it with no choice but to increase electricity tariffs, as costs of repairs due to these criminal acts run into millions annually.
This comes after a series of incidents of vandalism and sabotage to municipal electricity infrastructure, where the alleged perpetrators were caught on camera setting alight and bombing electricity substations across Mthatha town.
“King Sabata Dalindyebo executive mayor, Nyaniso Nelani, is deeply concerned and appalled by the recent incidents of sabotage on municipal electricity infrastructure.
“Not only do these acts harm our customers by depriving them of electricity services, but they also impose unnecessary maintenance costs on the municipality.”
A statement issued by Nelani’s office read,
Nelani’s spokesperson, Olwethu Mabovula, said that electricity substations in Southernwood, Nelson Mandela Drive, King Edward Street, and near Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe Township, were the latest to fall victim to vandalism and sabotage.
Mabovula could not confirm whether the municipality had opened cases with the police in connection with the incidents.
The municipality said that it will continue to prioritise maintenance and protection of its electricity infrastructure while exploring additional measures to enhance its security.
“The executive mayor would like to express gratitude to community members who have already supported the municipality, by providing information about these incidents.”
“This information has been valuable in understanding the situation and we urge more community members to come forward and assist the municipality in providing information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators,” Mabovula concluded.
Residents are urged to share such information through the municipal call centre on 047 495 1037 which is reachable 24 hours and seven days a week.
