The City of Cape Town has recently launched its Energy Safety Team on May 24, 2023, to safeguard its electricity infrastructure. The initiative, led by Councillor Beverley van Reenen and Alderman JP Smith, aims to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to focus on the protection of the City’s electricity infrastructure in the metro.
Loadshedding has become a constant source of disruption for neighborhoods, with new trends emerging as a result of high stages of loadshedding and increased demand during winter. ### Pressure on Energy Teams
The recent incidents of violent disruptions, arson, vandalism, and intimidation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the University of the Western Cape have raised concerns amongst university communities and the public. In response, Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, has expressed his strong condemnation of these criminal acts.
Ravensmead has been experiencing a rise in theft and vandalism that has caused significant damage to the city’s medium voltage feeder cable and substation. As a result, the electricity supply network in the area has been severely impacted, leading to frequent tripping and extended outages. The city recognizes the urgency of the situation and is focusing on repairing the damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible.
The Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) initiative by the Gauteng Provincial Government is a significant step towards creating secure communities and eradicating crime. Due to the high number of applicants, the selection process was rigorous and aimed to identify the best candidates for the job. The CPWs will be responsible for ensuring police visibility at the ward level, which is essential in preventing and combating crime.
The Energy Directorate of the City of Cape Town has successfully implemented a plan to address outstanding streetlight repairs in the Mitchells Plain area. Despite facing high service requests, loadshedding, and weatherrelated issues, the City has made steady progress. ## Increase in Electricity Infrastructure Repair Service Requests Due to Vandalism and Theft
Cape Town residents urged to report sewer overflows The City of Cape Town is urging its residents to report sewer overflows immediately through official city channels such as WhatsApp and the City’s website. It is essential to report these incidents promptly during high, prolonged stages of loadshedding and heavy rain when sewer spills and overflows are more likely.
The City of Cape Town recently completed upgrades to the Koeberg Road and Langa sewer pump stations to protect the infrastructure from damage and reduce the risk of sewer overflows. The upgrades cost R2.36 million between both pump stations. ## New Filtration Screens
