Thousands of residents have been without electricity for nearly two weeks following a fire at the substation. Technicians were on the scene completing the final stages of testing on Monday (9/3).

The fire at the substation broke out on Sunday, 22 February, and left countless residents without electricity. The fire was allegedly caused by overloading and/or technical faults.

The 30 mVa transformer and cables were damaged by the fire beyond repair. The areas which are affected are: Bonanne, Bophelong, Bophelong extensions, CW1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and NW7 smallholdings.

“I was at the substation earlier this morning,” said FF Plus Cllr Gerda Senekal, “and … saw personnel from both Eskom and (Emfuleni) municipality working alongside technicians responsible for testing the transformer’s protection systems.

“This is a completely new transformer, and everything must be in place before they switch it on. We did mention that some phases could come on yesterday, but unfortunately, they weren’t finished with the protection testing.

“If this transformer is not properly protected and something happens to it, we could face months of waiting for a replacement, especially with winter approaching.”

The municipality last updated residents on Saturday (7/2) and said the team has completed the protection testing for the Town South control room. The team identified three faulty breakers. Repair work is underway, with five out of ten breakers being good.

Transformer wiring has been completed, and technicians are conducting final check-ups in preparation for protection testing. ETR will be announced when all the outstanding work is completed, it said in a statement.

“Our technical teams are working around the clock to restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible,” said Emfuleni municipality. “However, the municipality strongly advises against gathering or crowding outside the Town Substation.

“Any form of intimidation, harassment, or interference with our workers on site is unacceptable and will directly delay restoration efforts and prolong the outage for all affected.” 

Receiving electricity

Senekal said there is hope certain areas could start receiving electricity again in phases later on Monday, depending on the outcome of the tests.

She cautioned not all residents will necessarily have power immediately. Once the substation is operational, officials will also need to determine whether any smaller substations in the affected areas have been vandalised during the prolonged outage.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg