Residents in Mamelodi R3 and R4, who had installed a transformer and connected it to the grid, watched in disbelief as City of Tshwane workers confiscated the device after cutting off its illegal connection.
This was during an operation targeting illegal connections for water and electricity at the informal settlements in the township.
During the operation, they removed a transformer with a wall of bricks built around it located next to an electric pole on one of the dusty streets.
Its removal, which left residents in the dark, was met with mixed reactions from people, who shared their views on social media platforms.
While some believe that those responsible for the illegal connection must be arrested, many blamed the City for failing to ensure residents in the area have access to electricity.
One of them said: “If you don’t treat people with dignity, they will resort to these kinds of things. Instead of installing the transformers for the community, your people are busy lazing around taking their time and prolonging the installation; the people are tired of your lazy ass employees.”
MMC for Utilities and Regional Operations and Coordination Themba Fosi said the unauthorised connections, affecting both electricity and water supplies, were found at the inlet valves of these crucial reservoirs.
"During the operation, we also dislodged and removed unauthorised water network components,” he said.
Mamelodi R3 and R4 Reservoirs, he said, are vital components of the water supply infrastructure for Mamelodi and broader areas.
“Recent challenges in maintaining optimal water levels were directly linked to these illegal connections, which compromised the integrity of the water supply system and impeded the reservoirs’ ability to meet community demands,” he said.
Fosi added that illegal connections pose serious risks, including damage to infrastructure and loss of revenue for the City.
He said the City must act by removing unauthorised connections to restore and ensure the efficiency of our water infrastructure,” he said.
Finance MMC Jacqui Uys said: “The City of Tshwane is committed to ensuring that we have financial recovery in the city because that will allow us to have a better infrastructure for everybody in the city. Unfortunately, we have to ensure that we stand together and that we don’t allow these illegal connections to happen again because that is the only way that we will curb the losses and financially recover so that we can move forward and deliver services for all.”
Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious or unauthorised utility connections to the City on 012 358 7095/7096.
Fosi added: “The City of Tshwane will continue taking decisive action to address water challenges, ensuring that the integrity of our water infrastructure is restored and safeguarded. We are collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to mitigate the risks associated with illegal connections and enhance the reliability of our water supply system.”
Pretoria News
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za