Vandalism causes break in radio frequencies

The attempted theft and accompanying vandalism of Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (Erongored) infrastructure at Rössing Mountain has resulted in major broadcasting interruptions at the coast since Monday.

Telecommunication sources say cable thieves cut down several power poles, resulting in nearly a kilometre of power and communication cables being damaged.

This has disrupted power supply and hampered the radio communications of several major broadcasters at the coast, while also affecting a wide range of services, including police and emergency radio frequencies.

Erongored spokesperson Benjamin Ngombe yesterday confirmed the incident, adding that infrastructure to the power supply and radio tower at Rössing Mountain was damaged.

“That’s all the information I have for now. Our people are on the ground attending to restoring the system,” he said.
A detailed report will be issued at a later stage, he said.

“Investigations are continuing.”

The Erongo police also confirmed the incident, but said an incident report would be compiled after the regional electricity distributor “compiles a case”.