#Cable theft must fall
I HAVE been a city councillor for the past 18 months. However, I still cannot get my head around the inability of council and of government to solve perennial problems such as the theft of copper. The loss of R10 billion of copper every year has been going on for the past two decades. If anything, it is getting worse.
The mayor, the premier and the president should follow the media and give the public a response about policing and innovative measures being put in place and the results being achieved through their efforts. I hope the mayor reads this and responds.
For example, some experts have suggested that electrical circuits should be left permanently switched on, through one of many technological means available, to deter thieves from cutting live cables. It makes sense to me. The costing must show whether this is a viable measure and be measured against the loss of money and time caused by cable theft.
Another technology requires spraying microdots on to copper cables. Inexpensive, ultraviolet scanning devices will be able to detect the origin and ownership of the cable. to get grant money.
Minister wants lower pass mark
Ntombi Khumalo:
Parliament is coming under increasing criticism for neglecting to do what it should be, and must step up, if the executive is failing, and lobby to ramp up the penalties for stolen cable and metals. It must also increase regulations concerning the shipment of such items overseas. Furthermore, cable and metal thieves – as well as buyers – should face sterner measures. Constant raids must be occur and intelligence must be improved.
Finally, all who are involved in government and the management of SOEs should demand that cable manufacturers meet SABS requirements for the laser-tagging of all newly made cables.
The time has come to call out those who are not coming to the party. At the same time, we should know who is doing their job well and is on top of the problem. As public representatives we must do our jobs armed with greater knowledge and determination. down in public departments.