Minister Responds To Umkomaas Power Cuts
The initial problem started as a small isolated case where Eskom cables were stolen and subsequently replaced.
Democratic Alliance MP Tim Brauteseth requested responses from the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, whose department is responsible for Eskom, regarding the frequent power outages at Umkomaas. Umkomaas and surrounding areas have been suffering from continuous power outages for many years.
A further consequence s of power outages on residents and businesses is that it ultimately results in residents having no water as the water pumps cannot function without electricity. The residents’ concerns were articulated to MP Brauteseth to be taken up in Parliament by Cllr Bob Daniel Naidoo, DA’s deployed PR Councillor.
MP Brauteseth is the head of the DA South Durban Constituency.
The Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, MP Phumulo Masualle, responded as follows: ‘The root cause of power interruptions around Umkomaas area is mainly the theft of Eskom cables. The most affected areas include Umkomaas sub-station that is feeding Ward 99. Widenham Sub-station, Freeland Park, and St Joseph Sub-stations are equally affected.
The initial problem started as a small isolated case where Eskom cables were stolen and subsequently replaced.
However, over the years, these incidents of theft had escalated to almost a daily occurrence.
The modus-operandi is that the thieves go to the main supply points, dig around and spike the cables that cause the breaker to trip.
Unfortunately, in some instances, Eskom is unable to supply customers with an alternative source of supply. Eskom had already had put measures into place by way of responses to these challenges as follows:
* Engaging local communities to assist in reporting the thefts to the local authorities.
* Reporting these to the local SAPS, community leaders as well as the structures
* Eskom has also increased security patrols around these areas and are replacing some of the underground cables with overhead lines.
* Eskom had replaced some stolen copper cables with aluminium cables.
The above mitigation strategies had been a very expensive exercise.
It must also be noted that overhead networks are prone to lightning strikes during severe weather and storms.
In the high-risk sections around Umkomaas and Widenham sub-stations, it will take 3 to 6 months to partially convert the overhead lines.
Unfortunately, due to the layout, it will be difficult to convert about 65% of the network.
He went on to state that while ESKOM is doing its best in dealing with these areas in converting to an overhead network.
Copper theft remains a challenge. After implementing measures to curb theft, copper thieves are likely to move to another area.
A stringent regulatory policy on scrap trading is needed and implemented to act as an impediment to cable theft and vandalism of infrastructure.
“We need to work together to achieve success, said Deputy Minister Phumulo Masualle.
