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IFP Chief Whip in Parliament and Constituency Head for Craigieburn/Umkomaas, Narend Singh MP, has today written to Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan and Police Minister, Bheki Cele on the over 72-hour blackout in the respective areas of Craigieburn and Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal.

Eskom claims that it is due to cable theft and the local SAPS office has been mum on their investigation, if any has taken place yet. In my letter to both Ministers, I have requested the following information to ascertain:

How much cable was in fact stolen;
Where were the SAPS when cable theft took place, as was reported on Sunday, 19 May 2019 in the afternoon;
Why is the cable integrity of such low measure that it allows for ease of theft;
What steps have been instituted by Eskom and SAPS to ensure that cables are secured to ensure zero losses and damages in future to prevent such a crisis;
What remedial action will be taken by Eskom in order to compensate businesses who have lost a considerable amount of revenue and residents for losses they may have suffered, due to the tardiness and delays in powering up the community; and
Due to the electricity blackout, water supply has been cut and is severely affecting residents, businesses and local government services, what steps have been taken to address this urgent matter?
Furthermore, in my letter to Minister Cele, whether there were increased patrols of SAPS particularly at night in the affected areas and if not, whether he will deploy additional officers to the affected communities to ensure the safety and security of residents.

It is totally unacceptable that Eskom has failed to act swiftly in resolving this veritable crisis. We cannot expect the local economy to grow when small businesses and residents are hamstrung by crime and Eskom which has shown a total disregard efficient and effective delivery of electricity.

It is my hope that Ministers Gordhan and Cele will respond timeously to my request in urgently investigating this matter in Cragieburn/Ukomaas.

Issued by IFP