Where and what are the security measures to protect our electricity?
And let there be… not light it seems. Or any other form of sustainable electricity. Last week thieving scoundrels made off with a ‘transformer’ from a power station dedicated to providing swathes of Alberton’s taxpaying, hardworking residents and businesses with power. As if that isn’t vexing enough; some of us spent two days cut off from civilization. I refuse to believe I am the only individual mulling over the question of: how is this possible?
Granted, I haven’t actually been to the station to inspect security measures put in place to deal with such circumstances, but somehow I think I already know what I’ll find:
A) Not a soul in sight.
B) A flimsy fence intended to ward off perpetrators, lacking the compulsory, deterring barbs.
C) A few extremely intimidating warning signs.
Apparently the culprits broke a hole through a wall, thereby gaining access. The logical question would be: How did no one hear it? Not even a guard or guard dog around to stop them? How about electrical fences? Or burglar alarms?
Manifestly security upgrades to the most vital portions of infrastructure were never on the agenda. I think it’s time we as citizens re-evaluate what exactly it is we want out of local government, for it certainly does not amount to this. Otherwise we’ll have to rest our hope on the capable shoulders of Optimus Prime and take comfort in knowing he’ll protect our remaining transformers.
Christiaan Schoombie, Alberton North
