SUBSTATIONS in the Nelson Mandela Bay will see an increased security personnel visibility to decrease power outages in parts of the city.
This move, according to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) spokesperson, Kupido Baron, is meant to curb the intermittent damage to substations caused mainly by cable theft and vandalism.
The metro has recently experienced a spate in vandalised substations, resulting in millions being spent to repair the damaged infrastructure.
Baron said that plans have been put in place to do regular routine checks with the assistance of NMBM Safety and Security units.
“We have experienced a challenge with people breaking into our substations and stealing copper cables.
“This resulted in power outages in parts of metro. More security will be provided to ensure that all substations are protected,” Baron said.
According to the DA’s spokesperson for safety and security, Gustav Rautenbach, 30 security officials have been appointed to deal with the security of substations.
Rautenbach said the vandalism of substations remained a major concern, as millions of rands were forked out to pay for these damages.
He said, “It is also important for CCTV cameras and alarms to be in working order as there are no cameras at these substations. This also poses a safety risk to residents when power outages occur.”
The municipality cut ties with Afrisec Strategic Solutions, which previously ran the CCTV system in 2016, and instituted legal action against the company.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
