City Power focused on disconnecting electricity to Joburg CBD’s hijacked buildings

City Power said it’s focused on disconnecting power to hijacked buildings in Johannesburg’s inner city.

On Wednesday, the utility disconnected a mini substation that was feeding the illegal connection of a hijacked nurse’s home in Hillbrow.

The power utility has established a unit to clamp down on the wrongfully occupied structures.

City Power said one of the recommendations of the Usindiso Commission of Inquiry investigating the deadly fire of the hijacked building that killed 77 people was to help revitalise the city and remove illegal occupants in buildings.

In response, City Power has embarked on a disconnection programme.

The power utility disconnected a mini substation connected to the Florence Building and a hijacked nurse's home next to the Hillbrow Health Precinct.

It is said the buildings have become a hotspot for illegal electricity connections, criminal activity and environmental concerns.

The other departments within the city also noted the dangers of live electrical wires and sewage overflow - which also pose a risk to the lives of residents.