Rustenburg Residents Left in Darkness as Power Infrastructure Theft Persists

Rustenburg in the Dark: Power Theft Hits Residents Hard

Residents of Rustenburg have been plunged into repeated darkness after vandals targeted municipal mini-substations, stealing vital components that power the town’s electricity network. The attacks have left communities frustrated and businesses disrupted, raising serious questions about municipal oversight and security.

ActionSA Slams Security Contract Renewal

ActionSA councillor Ofentse Kombe criticised the municipality’s decision to renew and expand the security contract meant to protect these critical electricity facilities.

“The decision to expand the security contract has delivered zero measurable improvement and represents a gross misuse of public funds,” Kombe said.

Despite a 15% increase in the security tender, theft continues unabated. Kombe argued that ratepayers are unfairly footing the bill while infrastructure collapses and essential services fail.

Theft of Crucial Components Disrupts Daily Life

Mini-substations, small but vital hubs in Rustenburg’s electricity network, have been repeatedly broken into, with components such as transformers, switches, and cabling stolen. The impact is widespread power outages, affecting homes, schools, and businesses across the town.

Residents took to social media, sharing images of darkened streets and disrupted daily routines. Many expressed frustration at the municipality’s inability to protect essential infrastructure despite increased spending on private security.

“We pay taxes expecting basic services. How is it possible that this keeps happening?” tweeted one resident.

A Question of Accountability

ActionSA’s intervention highlights broader concerns about municipal governance and oversight in Rustenburg. Kombe emphasised that continuing theft undermines public trust and jeopardises safety and economic activity.

“Ratepayers cannot shoulder escalating costs while infrastructure collapses,” he said, urging the municipality to reassess the effectiveness of its security arrangements and take decisive action against vandals.

Background: Rustenburg’s Ongoing Struggle

Rustenburg, like many towns across South Africa, struggles with theft from power infrastructure, which not only disrupts electricity supply but also imposes hefty costs on municipalities and residents. Mini-substations are particularly vulnerable due to their small size and dispersed locations.

The repeated thefts in Rustenburg serve as a stark reminder that investments in private security must translate into tangible protection, not just higher contracts. Residents are calling for urgent, innovative solutions to safeguard electricity networks and ensure reliable power.

{Source: The Citizen}

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