- Gauteng identified for asset replacement
- Eskom to carry out maintenance of assets in the Gauteng suburbs
- High cases of equipment tampering and bypass in the area
The South African electricity utility Eskom has identified Gauteng suburbs for the replacement and rehabilitation of existing electrical installations and equipment. Senior Maintenance and Operations Manager for the region, Mashangu Xivambu, has stated that Eskom is working around the clock to replace and repair failed electricity equipment with the resources available.
The Gauteng region has experienced an increase in incidents of overloading due to rampant meter bypassing, illegal connections, unauthorised operations, and vandalism of the electricity infrastructure. So far, Eskom has carried out an audit process resulting in the replacement and repairs of damaged electrical equipment in 50% of the areas that complied with the audit process.
Xivambu noted the challenges of the process, saying, ”We often are faced with community resistance and other challenges which delay our efforts such as violently assaulting and injuring our employees, chasing them out of the areas, illegally removing and operating on our infrastructure, and non-adherence to the audit process as is the case in Chiawelo.”
Eskom has, however, committed to the process and would continue to carry out necessary maintenance on its network.