ESKOM CUTS OFF DIEPSLOOT’S ILLEGAL CONNECTION

Written By: Lebohang Ndashe

In an effort to try to recoup lost revenue in Gauteng, on Monday, 20 August, Eskom conducted a cut-off operation in Diepsloot, North of Johannesburg. The power utility removed fifty illegal transformers and bypassed meters connected to their network.

Diepsloot’s illegal connections have significantly strained the power grid, causing frequent outages and extensive damage to infrastructure.

Some residents have expressed their disgruntlement to the cut-off operation saying Eskom’s inattentiveness to their plights let to the purchase and installation of illegal transformers.

Diepsloot Ward Councilor Abraham Mabuke said criminal activities will prevail as the township will be in the dark, exacerbating existing problems.

Eskom’s Gauteng spokesperson Amanda Qithi added that the power utility is losing billions in lost revenue due to Gauteng’s illegal connection.

Qithi further added that measures will be implemented to engage with affected customers and community leadership regarding the correct process of reinstalling of transformers, this include paying fines for their network’s alterations.