Copper Theft in Copper Street!
by Mark Cowan
Telecom Namibia says pairs of underground copper cable – 1900 pairs in all – were cut and stolen on 19th February in the Cimbebasia suburb situated in Southern Windhoek, knocking out voice and data services for over 1,500 customers in the area.
The three 600 and 100 pair copper cables were stolen, affecting three street distribution cabinets (SDCs) located in Copper and Nickel streets, as well as the Shilunga SDC. Copper theft in the area is endemic and causes a lot of anger and frustration for business and resident customers.
The incident is already the second of its kind in Cimbebasia this year. A 1000 pair copper cable was stolen at the corner of Mataman and Arimas streets on 5th January. The thieves broke the locks of two manholes to gain access to the cable. Between 500 and 800 business and residential customers were affected by the theft.
The firm said its technicians are racing against the clock to have the cables repaired by end of 21st February.
