By Slindile Maluleka
Electricity-related crimes have cost Durban more than R50-million in the past financial year.
This was revealed by Bongani Mbuyisa, manager of protection revenue for the eThekwini Electricity Department. Mbuyisa said that in the Uganda informal settlement in Isipingo and surrounding areas more than R3,2-million of electricity has been stolen in the past five years.
"The high incidence of illegal electricity connections has also impacted negatively on the tariff hike for eThekwini residents," Mbuyisa said.
The city's electricity department has now issued a stern warning to electricity thieves to stop making illegal connections or face the might of the law. This week a number of illegal connections were discovered in the Uganda informal settlement in Pardy Road, Isipingo. Electricity department employees were dispatched to dismantle the illegal connections.
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Area councillor Bhekokuhle Mkhize said he was not aware of the problem until residents of a nearby suburb complained to him about informal residents making their own connections to electricity poles along the roads.
He confirmed that plans were in the pipeline to help residents in the Uganda settlement by providing them with low-cost housing to replace their makeshift homes. Water pipes would also be installed and formal roads built.
Other prime targets for electricity thieves in KwaZulu-Natal include Tongaat, La Mercy, Verulam, KwaMashu, Sea Cow Lake, Mpumalanga township, Cato Crest, Umlazi, Isipingo, KwaNdengezi and Klaarwater.
Earlier this year, the city announced plans to supply informal dwellers across the eThekwini region with electricity.
Visvin Reddy, chairman of the infrastructure committee, said council was working closely with the housing department to decide on the best way to proceed with the implementation of the project.
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This article was originally published on page 5 of Daily News on October 24, 2008
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