Cable theft plunges Joburg clinics into darkness

The Department of Health and Social Development in Johannesburg says on Tuesday, Westbury Clinic was also left without power after someone tampered with underground cables.

City Power was able to assist with getting the power back on in Westbury.

“As a precaution, the fire department was notified and patients were evacuated. It was a relief to know that there was no visible fire and that the smoke came from the wires that burnt when the cables were cut. The generator which serves as a backup power supply system could not be switched on as a result of the extent of the damage to the main power cable,” says the department's Dominic Mahlangu.

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He says services at Protea Clinic have been temporarily interrupted, vaccinations have moved to an adjacent clinic for storage in order to maintain the cold chain.

Mahlangu said a generator should be available by Thursday.

“We appeal to communities to work with us in order to protect the infrastructure. Clinics are an essential facility for these communities and people are dependent on them. It is very concerning.”

 He says they are beefing up security and engaging the police on the matter.