THE FACTS BEHIND THE CABLE THEFT
Posted by African Press International on February 9, 2011
Soweto – The recent reports in the media post conflicting stories relating to the issue of cable theft in the greater NASREC precinct last week, which caused the power to spike at the FNB Stadium.
City Power met with the Chief Executive (CE) of Stadium Management SA(SMSA), Jacques Grobbelaar at 12h00 today, Monday, 7th February 2011 to provide an updated progress report with regards to the repairs and replacement of cables relating to the supply of power to the stadium.
We can accordingly report as follows:
City Power responded immediately to the email sent by CE Jacques Grobbelaar on the 2nd February at 3.35pm reporting the problem with the power at the stadium.
An initial assessment was conducted, which identified manhole covers had been lifted. The total precinct area covers approximately one square kilometer.
It was found that in certain areas, excavations had been conducted as well as the manholes had been illegally entered. This resulted in the precinct being highly affected with all external lights not working which in turn created a serious risk for people using the stadium facility in the evenings as everything would be dark
In about 50 of the manholes cables had been cut and severely severed and most of the cables had been removed.
City Power has been on site since the initial assessment repairing and replacing the cables. The maintenance teams have worked throughout the nights repairing the cables, which is a fairly complicated process as the cables run through sleeves that are interconnected between manholes. The thieves have entered the manholes and cut the cables randomly. This has resulted in added delays as the cables needed to be first tested and matched to find the continuity and then replaced. This work is ongoing.
The problems relating to the power supply at the stadium has at last been resolved and the power spikes originally experienced are under control.
The report received provides SMSA with the necessary comfort that the situation is now under control.
SMSA is taking the lead in exploring the preventive measures moving forward and wish to be part of the solution in securing the precinct.
The progress to date with the repair and replacement of the precinct cables is that it is now 80% complete. The stadium’s power is restored and is running at 100% capacity.
The 20% repair process remaining relates to the vehicle parking facility as well as some of the public roads.
Says Jacques Grobbelaar, “We wish to extend our sincere thanks to City Power for their immediate response to assist us in securing our supply of power and their continued efforts to ensure the power is restored to its full potential and to the PSL and Kaizer Chiefs for their understanding of the problem.”
ENDS
February 7 2011
By Siyenza Management
On behalf of: Stadium Management South Africa
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Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) specialise in the full-service management of multimillion rand assets, including financial, operational and facilities management, as well as hospitality and event management. The team has an impressive record in stadium management at home and abroad, including Wembley Stadium, the Johannesburg Stadium and Manchester City Football Club. SMSA has been involved in turnkey event and venue management service delivery, including some spectacular national and international events in
the sport, leisure and hospitality arenas, such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup, 1996 African Cup of Nations and international music events. SMSA currently manages the FNB Stadium, Orlando Stadium, Dobsonville Stadium and Rand Stadium.
Mabel Modipa,
PR Intern
Cables:
