Eskom cutting off illegally connected transformers in Diepsloot, Joburg

Lungile Ntimba

Eskom has announced the immediate disconnecting of illegal electricity connections in the Diepsloot community as part of its province-wide campaign to reduce unnecessary burdens on the supply network.

Spokesperson for Eskom Gauteng Amanda Qithi said the township’s illegal connections have significantly strained the power grid, causing frequent outages and extensive damage to infrastructure.

However Diepsloot residents said they are frustrated at the lack of delivery of basic services from the government and that Eskom is responding to legitimate problems with power failures and other challenges regarding the provision of electricity by cutting off supply.

Diepsloot resident Abraham Mabuke, said the illegal transformers in the area are brought in as a result of Eskom’s delay to respond to the needs for electricity in the community.

Mabuke said the residents also blame Eskom for delaying the process of replacing transformers which are faulty.

“We follow all the procedures, we log