The City of Cape Town is earmarking approximately R40 million to help curb and prevent vandalism of critical energy infrastructure in communities. This is part of the approved 2022/23 Budget, coming into effect from July 2022. Electricity infrastructure vandalism remains high in areas across the city, affecting residents the most. The City calls on communities to stand with us so that we protect community infrastructure.

The City is boosting its efforts to curb the scourge of vandalism. There has been a downward trend in the number of vandalism, theft and illegal connections incidents in some areas due to the enhanced support from members of the public and City efforts; however the overall number as well as reoccurring incidents in the city remain high.

‘Incidents of electricity infrastructure vandalism continue to be recorded in all areas in the metro, including damage to streetlights. Damage to streetlights and to kiosks is among the most affected. These continuous illegal acts are plaguing our communities and together with residents, we are determined to bring an end to infrastructure vandalism.

‘The R40 million injection will focus on securing critical infrastructure in all communities, boosting security patrols in hotspot areas and permanent security deployments to strategic energy infrastructure.

‘In addition, we will embark on a vandalism awareness and education drive in our communities so that residents have a greater understanding of the impact and cost of vandalism in their areas. We call on our communities to stand by us and to work with us to help protect community infrastructure,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

Source: City of Cape Town