Municipal Infrastructure Theft: Klopper Park Residents Bear the Financial Burden

The municipal infrastructure theft in Klopper Park has residents paying the bills as prolonged power outages continue due to vandalism and theft of electrical infrastructure. Klopper Park residents along Avondgloed Road endured eight days without power, while those on Kragbron Road experienced a 15-day outage. According to Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerriero, the cause of these prolonged outages was damage to mini substation transformers, leading to frustration among the community.

Guerriero highlighted the lack of communication from the city’s management and the significant inconvenience caused to residents. Many households had to spend money on generators and alternative power sources, while the impact on those reliant on medical devices and oxygen machines was immense. The absence of power also disrupted security measures such as street lights and electric fences, raising safety concerns.

Also read: Community Commended for Foiling Attempted Theft of Eskom Infrastructure

Residents have taken measures into their own hands, spending money to secure mini substations with locks and even proposing community-driven fencing around these stations. Theft and vandalism of infrastructure have led to the need for security measures. Avondgloed Road resident Susan Perrault expressed frustration over the unpredictability of infrastructure theft, impacting students’ studies, medical equipment, and overall quality of life.

CoE confirmed that the outages resulted from theft and infrastructure vandalism. City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini acknowledged the ongoing theft and vandalism issues in Germiston and indicated that security contractors would further investigate the Klopper Park area. He assured that the city is implementing security features to secure doors and substations and that security contractors would support city officials to prevent future incidents of theft. Despite these efforts, the community’s frustration remains as they cope with the ongoing challenges of infrastructural issues.

Source: Klopper Park residents foot the bill for municipal infrastructure theft

Also read:

City Power Employee Among Trio Arrested for Cable Theft and Vandalism

Picture: Twitter / City_Ekurhuleni

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