The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) met with community leaders in Groenkloof yesterday and assisted them in drafting an urgent petition to the Tshwane Metro. This follows two weeks of constant power outages in the area as a result of cable theft.
The petition focuses on the area along the UNISA fence near the Fountains Circle, where cables are frequently stolen.
The steep hill is overgrown with tall grass, weeds and bushes that provide sufficient cover for criminals. Despite several requests, the Metro still has not cleared the area. Consequently, residents have no choice but to pay out of pocket to maintain the area even though they are already paying property rates.
The dense vegetation renders existing security cameras useless and increases the risk of crime.
In the petition, the Freedom Front Plus calls on the Tshwane Metro to urgently engage with Eskom and implement proven measures against cable theft. These include replacing copper cables with alternative materials of low re-sale value as scrap metals, installing vibration sensors and radio monitoring, cable armouring, and facilitating closer cooperation between the police and private security companies.
The petition also calls for:
- immediately clearing all grass, weeds and bushes on the hill;
- routine maintenance of the area every three months;
- a joint assessment with Eskom and the implementation of effective anti-theft technology; and
- written feedback to residents, including a clear timeframe, within 14 days.
The Freedom Front Plus not only stands with Groenkloof residents, but it also takes action. Ratepayers have the right to reliable electricity supply and a safe environment.
The party will keep the pressure on until the area has been cleared and cable theft has been brought to an end.
The Freedom Front Plus will also request the University of Pretoria (UP) and UNISA in writing to cooperate with the local community in tackling the problem.
The Freedom Front Plus encourages all Groenkloof residents and businesses to sign the petition and take a stand for better service delivery together.
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