The Importance of Substation Maintenance
The Electricity Distribution and Generation Department of the city recently completed essential maintenance work at a substation in Manenberg. This substation plays a vital role in supplying electricity to the Manenberg area and its surroundings. The timely completion of maintenance work ensures that residents continue to receive a safe and reliable electricity supply.
The Role of Energy Safety Teams
The newly formed Energy Safety Teams played a noteworthy role in the recent maintenance work. These teams accompanied the electricity teams to the site and ensured that the repairs were carried out safely and efficiently. The aim of the Energy Safety Teams is to aid law enforcement agencies in protecting essential city electricity infrastructure. They also assist electricity teams during maintenance work in high-risk areas.
The Collaborative Approach
Maintenance work and repairs on electricity infrastructure throughout the metropolitan region are consistently performed by the city. In volatile and high-risk areas, the assistance of law enforcement agencies or the South African Police Service (SAPS) is often required to ensure the safe completion of tasks. This collaborative approach ensures that city officials work in a secure environment, free from robbery and theft while delivering services to communities.
The City’s Commitment to Infrastructure Maintenance
The city’s electricity maintenance program and its network management have consistently been top-notch. Through the maintenance program, the city aims to ensure the infrastructure remains in optimal condition, providing residents with a safe and reliable electricity supply. However, the infrastructure suffers due to higher stages of Eskom’s load-shedding and the continuous vandalism and theft of infrastructure by criminals.
Challenges Faced
Despite the efforts of the Energy Safety Teams, there has been a recent increase in vandalism-related incidents, with over 350 occurrences recorded in the year’s first quarter. The most severely impacted district is Mowbray, with over 120 recorded vandalism and theft incidents in the same period.
Urging Residents to Remain Vigilant
Councillor Beverley van Reenen urges residents to remain vigilant and report any incidents of theft, vandalism, and damage to infrastructure to the city and the SAPS. Anonymous tip-offs are also welcomed, with rewards of R5,000 offered for tips that lead to arrests. To provide an anonymous tip, call 0800 1100 77.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the city’s electricity teams, law enforcement agencies, and the newly formed Energy Safety Teams has ensured that crucial infrastructure maintenance is carried out securely and effectively. This proactive approach not only safeguards city officials but also guarantees that the electricity infrastructure remains in excellent condition for the benefit of Manenberg and its surrounding areas.
