Dear Editor,
I think the Government has a responsibility to address the rampant theft [of electricity] that is going on in these communities. The church also has a huge part to play in helping to improve the moral of people in these communities.
What is going on in these communities is serious cause for concern for the wider society. JPS is really at their wits end and are really running out of ideas to address this situation. It's not an easy situation to handle.
Removing throw ups is an act in futility in these communities because as soon as the JPS team leaves the throw ups are back up again. There is not enough police or resources to patrol these communities to look for those who are stealing electricity from the JPS. Cutting off power to entire communities for that length of time is not a solution, nor is allowing these communities to pay a flat rate.
Electricity theft is a crime and the Government must lead in tackling this crime monster. I suggest the Government announces a six-month amnesty period for all those stealing electricity to get regularized. After that amnesty all home owners/tenants/proprietors caught stealing electricity will be imprisoned for six months.
If you are really sick and poor and need electricity to run you life-support machines/pumps then you sign up for PATH and the government will offset the electricity cost for this purpose.
If you are poor then you burn a candle or oil lamps and use a coal iron. Being poor is not an excuse to steal electricity or for Government to cover your electricity cost.
Government will have to take firm action, and the church, schools and civil society must also do their part to help by improving the moral and values of people living in these communities.
Brad_Ja
I think the Government has a responsibility to address the rampant theft [of electricity] that is going on in these communities. The church also has a huge part to play in helping to improve the moral of people in these communities.
What is going on in these communities is serious cause for concern for the wider society. JPS is really at their wits end and are really running out of ideas to address this situation. It's not an easy situation to handle.
Removing throw ups is an act in futility in these communities because as soon as the JPS team leaves the throw ups are back up again. There is not enough police or resources to patrol these communities to look for those who are stealing electricity from the JPS. Cutting off power to entire communities for that length of time is not a solution, nor is allowing these communities to pay a flat rate.
Electricity theft is a crime and the Government must lead in tackling this crime monster. I suggest the Government announces a six-month amnesty period for all those stealing electricity to get regularized. After that amnesty all home owners/tenants/proprietors caught stealing electricity will be imprisoned for six months.
If you are really sick and poor and need electricity to run you life-support machines/pumps then you sign up for PATH and the government will offset the electricity cost for this purpose.
If you are poor then you burn a candle or oil lamps and use a coal iron. Being poor is not an excuse to steal electricity or for Government to cover your electricity cost.
Government will have to take firm action, and the church, schools and civil society must also do their part to help by improving the moral and values of people living in these communities.
Brad_Ja