Power station operator at Matthews Ridge confesses to selling turbocharger
The power station operator at Matthews Ridge in the northwest has confessed to stealing a turbocharger and selling it to a miner.
He has since been placed in custody according to a release yesterday from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI).
The theft of the turbocharger from the generator at Matthews Ridge has affected the power supply in the area.
A release yesterday from MPI said that on Monday, the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. an agency within MPI reported the theft.
The ministry said that the matter has been reported to the relevant authority and the Ministry is working to recover the stolen turbocharger or to have it replaced, so residents can enjoy the privilege of electricity.
The release said that last weekend, as the mechanical engineer conducted maintenance work on the generators, he noticed several parts were missing from the 156VA Cummins generator. An investigation was immediately launched at the power station to find the missing equipment. It was upon this investigation that the Station Operator confessed that he had removed the turbocharger from the generator and sold it to a miner. The Station Operator is currently in custody at the Matthews Ridge police station as investigation continues for the recovery of the stolen equipment.
Consequently, at this juncture residents are still experiencing power outages, MPI said. However, the Ministry wishes to assure Matthews Ridge residents that it is working towards the recovery of the stolen turbocharger.
The Ministry urged residents to remain patient.