Thousands of rands have been lost in the eThekwini municipality due to the effects of the damages on vandalised substations.
According to the municipal spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, the city has been the victim of “acts of sabotage”.
“The city can confirm there were multiple acts of sabotage to its citywide infrastructure.”
“A number of substations were broken into, vandalised and switched off, and some were torched, leading to multiple power outages across the city,” he said.
“Thousands of customers were left without electricity. The cost of the damage to infrastructure is estimated to run into hundreds of thousands of rand.”
The municipality stated that the damage on electrical infrastructure follows failed contractual agreements negotiated between the main contractor and the municipality.
“The municipality only has a legal relationship with the main contractor. It is the contractor’s responsibility to communicate with subcontractors any information necessary at the time.”
Mayisela slams media reports by saying no contracts had been terminated.
He confirmed the contract in question was to come to an end next month.
“Perpetrators have been identified and will be facing criminal charges and blacklisting by the municipality.”
“Anyone seen perpetuating further damage to infrastructure will face the same might [of the law].”
