City explores electricity solutions amid protests over cable theft

THE City said it was exploring solutions to end power outages experienced by rate-paying residents who are victims of cable theft and vandalism by neighbouring informal settlements.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

Irate residents, who have been living in Schaapkraal, Philippi for over 40 years and asked not to be identified, in fear of victimisation, said they have called on the City to provide pre-paid meters to informal settlements such as Egoli which is privately owned.

"This Egoli settlement illegal electricity issue has been an ongoing problem for many years and we, as paying residents in the area, are suffering because every time the City disconnects the electricity the people protest and burn the toilets and the electricity boxes," said a female resident.

"We suggested to the City many years ago that they should install a supply there as lots of the houses are on City property as well.