More electricity poles cut down at Hosea
MBABANE – At least 16 more electricity poles were cut down at the trouble-torn Hosea Inkhundla, bringing to 36 the number of poles that were chopped down this week.
Hosea Inkhundla is the area from which arrested MP Bacede Mabuza originates.
In the latest incident, residents woke up to power lines lying flat, with evidence that a chain saw was used to sabotage the Eswatini Electricity Company infrastructure.
Khaya Mavuso, the Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager said there were 16 of 11 kv single pole structures and 4H structures cut down at Hluthi last night.
“We have four contractors and Hluthi Depot teams on site replacing them. Hopefully, power will be restored today or the weekend,” he said.
Recurrence
Asked what is being done to prevent a recurrence, he said talks were still ongoing with the community.
“We are still engaging with the community elders for a long lasting solution,” he said.
Mavuso said over 1 500 customers of EEC were affected by the power outages resulting from the vandalism.
Affected
Most affected areas included; Hlahlatibovu, kaBrother, Mbondweni, Hhohho Emuva, Mpakeni, Ondiyaneni, S’thwethweni, Ngozi Clinic, KaHiba, and other areas.
“EEC is currently investigating the extent of the damages and anticipates power restoration as soon as practically possible, depending on the nature of the damages,” Mavuso said.
He said efforts to engage the community elders to assist the EEC in assessing the affected areas were a setback due to the blocked roads.
“EEC does not condone such vandalism or theft of national infrastructure designed to deliver service much needed by the community irrespective of the circumstances.
‘‘This action is a threat to the sustainability and reliability of the country’s power supply network and community security.”
Maintenance
He said the EEC suffered millions of Emalangeni in repairs of infrastructure due to vandalism or theft, which results in higher tariffs and a large chunk of budget going to maintenance.
He appealed to members of the public to assist in bringing the culprits to book.
Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said no arrests had been made yet but that police were still investigating.