URGENT PETITION FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG PUTFONTEIN ROAD

We, the residents, ratepayers, businesses and stakeholders of the City of Ekurhuleni, hereby petition the Municipal Manager, the Executive Mayor, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Trading Services and Energy, and the HOD for Energy, to take urgent and decisive action to protect the underground electricity infrastructure along Putfontein Road and surrounding areas.

Repeated theft and vandalism of underground electricity cables and associated infrastructure have resulted in prolonged power outages, disruption to homes and businesses, financial losses, and significant risks to public safety. Despite ongoing repairs and interventions, the existing infrastructure remains vulnerable to theft and vandalism, causing repeated interruptions to the supply of electricity and placing an unnecessary burden on residents and ratepayers.

We therefore call upon the City to urgently implement the following measures:

1. That the existing underground electricity cables along Putfontein Road be reinstalled at a minimum depth of 2 meters, together with suitable mechanical protection (cement sleeve) and anti-theft measures to reduce the risk of theft, vandalism and service interruptions.

2. That early theft detection and real-time monitoring systems be installed on vulnerable electricity lines and associated infrastructure to enable the rapid detection of theft, tampering and vandalism.

3. That all substations, mini-substations and Electricity infrastructure, in the affected area be fully enclosed with secure fencing, fitted with lockable access gates, and equipped with appropriate security and surveillance measures to prevent unauthorised access and further criminal activity.

4. That the City provide residents with a clear implementation plan, including timelines and regular progress reports on the measures being taken to secure and protect this critical infrastructure.

Residents and businesses should not be subjected to repeated outages, escalating costs and ongoing uncertainty when practical and preventative measures are available.

The City must act without delay to safeguard this infrastructure, protect our communities, and ensure the reliable supply of electricity to all affected residents and businesses.

Protect our infrastructure. Protect our communities. Protect our future.