3 days ago
Groenkloof residents foot security bill as metro falls short
The Groenkloof Residents Association has launched a fundraising initiative to install new security cameras in the area, as the community continues to battle ongoing cable theft and repeated power outages.
Spokesperson Francois Geringer confirmed the association plans to mount three high-resolution cameras on a single pole.
He said the setup is expected to cost around R60 000.
This comes after persistent theft in the area where cables are located near Unisa.
The theft allegedly led to over 100 power outages across Groenkloof Village and the surrounding residential and commercial precincts over the past two years.
'When cables are stolen, power goes out for days,' Geringer explained.
'People lose money using generators, and food spoils. This pushes people to spend more on security.'
Geringer said the first cameras were installed in 2023 at the Unisa site, and new locations are currently being assessed in partnership with security companies.
'We received funding to erect a pole, but we need more support to make a real difference.'
The initiative has gained urgency following a site inspection on June 22 and a follow-up meeting with the Region 3 Electricity Department the next day.
While metro officials committed to some short-term interventions, including visible policing and reactive maintenance, it was confirmed that no dedicated budget exists to fund permanent solutions.
Ward 59 Councillor Shaun Wilkinson voiced frustration on behalf of residents, noting the metro's limited response despite countless appeals.
'Residents are frustrated. They feel the city is not helping with cable theft. They pay municipal rates and taxes, but costs are high,' he said.
Wilkinson said the community has already spent about R150 000 on infrastructure, security, and support.
He added that installing one pole with cameras and solar power costs around R100 000.
'We need about five poles to cover the area. The community is tired and financially drained.'
Wilkinson also said residents have even had to arrange protection for technicians during cable repairs.
'Everyone helped, but it's becoming too much. The cable itself is about 45m long and worth R50 000,' he said.
He said they helped the metro to prevent theft for two years, 'but we get no recognition'.
Meanwhile, metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that financial constraints remain the main barrier to long-term solutions.
'From July 2024 to date, 11 power outages were officially recorded on the Groenkloof supply route, all linked to the vulnerable Skinner-SABS cable corridor.'
When asked why no rerouting or infrastructure upgrades have been implemented, Mashigo referred to incompatibility in the feeder cable system.
He added that Lynnwood Substation, last upgraded in 2006, has no current upgrade plans, despite concerns about growing demand in the east.
Mashigo said long-term plans to curb cable theft include replacing copper cables with aluminium and rerouting the current supply.
'Short-term efforts include continued law enforcement visibility in hotspot areas.'
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