Cable-theft war hostilities end

Durban Metro has formed a specialised team to deal with cable theft in the city.

The appointment of the team comes after frustrated residents experienced days without power followingthe theft of electricity cables.

Among the most affected areas are Clare Estate and Reservoir Hills.

Metro spokesman Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi said they wereaware of the incidents and were working closely with the electricity department.

"We have, together with the electricity department, formed a team that targets affected areas.

"We have arrested a number of people in this regard and are making very good progress."

But this week some Reservoir Hills residents had no electricity after their cables were stolen.

Ish Pradlah, chairman of the Reservoir Hills Ratepayers Association, said they were still experiencing cable theft, resulting in residents going days without electricity.

"This whole week there were some areas that had no lights."

He said Reservoir Hills residents would meet with the municipality today and were hoping they would find solutions.

Two weeks ago, Kennedy Road residents allegedly attacked municipality subcontractors to prevent them from cutting illegal connections. Police intervened, using tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The thefts have forced some residents to hire night security guards to protect the cables.

Residents believe illegal cables are being used by residents in surrounding informal settlements, where there is no electricity.

On Sunday, members of the municipality and residents of Kennedy Road in Clare Estate had a meeting with municipality officials.

Kennedy Road ward councillor Bhekisani Ngcobo, who called for the meeting, said both bona fide residents and informal residents now had electricity.

"Residents have been connected to another street and informal residents have been connected to a transformer in the area," he said.

A formal Kennedy resident, who refused to be named, said she was happy they finally had electricity.

"I hope it stays like this because the pattern is that it comes on and then it goes off for a few days."