Eskom dismantles massive illegal electricity network in Lion Park
The operation resulted in the confiscation of more than 20,000 meters of conductors, 49 transformers, illegally installed poles, and other electricity infrastructure.
Eskom has dismantled a large illegal electricity network in Lion Park, outside Pietermaritzburg, during a joint operation with police and other law enforcement agencies.
The two-day operation was carried out last week.
Infrastructure confiscated
“Efforts resulted in the disconnection and removal of elaborate illegal electricity network. Over 20 000 meters of aluminium and bundle conductors were removed and confiscated. 49 transformers were removed and confiscated, as well as tons of illegally installed poles and other electricity infrastructure” says Eskom's Customer Services Senior Manager Dade Mbhele.
She says Lion Park is still zoned for agricultural use and is owned by local trusts, meaning it cannot legally be electrified through a government-funded programme at this stage.
The power utility says it has instead proposed a customer-funded electrification scheme and has provided the trusts with draft cost estimates.
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