By Kaya 959 Reporter
City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Jolidee Matongo is appealing to residents to assist with putting an end to cable theft.
Matongo recently conducted an oversight visit where he saw firsthand the aftermath of the crime at the Joburg Market in City Deep during the City’s ongoing Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
Cable theft greatly affects the business of South Africa’s biggest market for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Matongo described the crime as a stumbling block for both the City and its residents. Great efforts are being made to revive the local economy following the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown regulations.
Commenting on the power outage at the Joburg Market, Matongo said at least R20 million worth of stock had gone to waste.
“This is a big value chain problem, hence we appeal to residents in the city to help us identify those people who are stealing our power cables to ensure that the issue of prolonged power outages that affect both businesses and residents is resolved,” he said.
Jozi, here’s a reminder to report cable theft to @CityPowerJhb on 0800 002 587 / 011 490 7504 or email [email protected]. #SaveEnergyJHB #JoburgBylaws ^LM pic.twitter.com/iAylU8WUiW
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) September 6, 2021
ALSO READ: DA, AfriForum set to challenge Jacob Zuma’s medical parole
Long-term solutions
Matongo said the City is looking at long-term solutions to deal with cable theft.
“This includes contracting private security firms and increasing visibility and patrols by municipal police. However, community involvement is also key to help the City in dealing with the scourge of cable theft across all regions,” he said.
Mayor Matongo and the City’s leadership were joined on the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme by City entities and departments that included Joburg Water, Pikitup, City Power, the Joburg Roads Agency, as well as Social Development and the Joburg Metro Police Department.
The teams moved from street to street to attend to urgent service delivery matters committed to in the current financial year and concerns reported by residents.
They focused on the patching of roads, repairing potholes, waste collection, removing illegal electricity connections, clearing illegal dumping and vandalised infrastructure.
The service delivery teams removed dirt and grime as well as illegally dumped waste on pavements, street corners and near business premises in Jules Street and surrounding areas.
Mayor Matongo and the City’s leadership kicked off the day’s Programme at the South Gauteng High Court precinct where they conducted an oversight on the clearing of dirt, litter and the patching of Prichard and Small streets.
They went on to other areas where Joburg Water plugged water leaks, replaced and repaired stolen and vandalised water meters and valves, and supplied chemical toilets for informal settlements.
The Joburg Roads Agency was also on hand to repaint street markings, while City Power attended to faulty streetlights and removed illegal connections.
Social Development’s Food Resilient Programme distributed over 800 food parcels to indigent families who receive the supplies every month from the department.
ALSO READ: Fitness trainer arrested for strangling female JMPD officer
