ALBERTON – Electricity has to be distributed to the necessary facilities. As yet it is unknown when the disruption was caused, but it most likely occurred on Sunday according to an Ekurhuleni council member.
A suspect or suspects had broken into the main power facility by gaining entry from the small space they had made in the wall of the main substation in Alberton at Du Plessis and Truida streets.
The suspect/s pulled out brass pipes from the number 1 transformer. Councillor Bruna Haipel was there on August 12 to see what was going on.
Cllr Haipel has brought it to the EMM’s attention that the taxi rank should not be near the facility. She has been advocating for years that there should be a taxi rank on another facility, which would have the necessary space for all the taxis.
The number 2 and 3 transformers remain intact and are the only two units functioning at present and electricity is being distributed accordingly to the areas. That means these areas are functioning on two transformers and not the usual three.
According to the EMM official, they are reducing the load on other secondary substations to try and keep the CBD running and then each area can have sufficient electricity.
The power facility is using two transformers. The number 1 transformer is dripping because of oil loss due to the theft and vandalism.
On Tuesday August 12 the contractors appointed were in the process of fixing the transformer.
Councillor Haipel is hopeful that the electricity is restored by later this afternoon (August 12).
Something needs to be done about this substation in the middle of a Taxi Rank. Every year there is a problem with this substation, last year was a more serious problem which left homes without power for over a week. I say that this sub station be secured properly barb wire and very high fencing, and the Taxi rank to be moved to a more friendlier environment. its a real eye sore every time you look toward Alberton City and all you see is hundreds of Taxis and garbage everywhere. next to a very important sub station.
That’s right Jacques, not to say how dangerous is it for the children coming from the school in the area, being hit by one of the many vehicles in the area as well.
Secure the area and power station properly- i don’t think barb wire and high fencing is the only thing to be used- and move the rank to a safer area as well…..and clean the area at the same time.
PS…..how long before the other two transformers burn out again and everybody is without power….again.
You say: “According to the EMM official, they are reducing the load on other secondary substations to try and keep the CBD running and then each area can have sufficient electricity”. I want to know why New Redruth has not had ANY power since this mornng. If all areas are being given sufficient electricity, why is New Redruth not even being considered as we have been without electricity all morning and nothing now and it is 15h30.
We need the council strong approach to get the dangerous situation resolved as priority #1. Then take note of the 1000’s of families living in flats that have not got the facility or space for generators to carry them through. Also take in consideration so many old people living there. Let alone the high rates that we have to pay for our electricity.Criminals and kie. After all said we can not even dare to place a guard there because he will be the kingpin to further crime. Wholla South Africa
This is the second day running and still we have no electricity. This is so frustrating. Last year we were without electricity for so long suffering HUGE financial losses. Why is New Redruth always the first area affected? All other areas are considered regarding the electricity except New Redruth. We don’t have ANY electricity and we are told all areas would have “sufficient”electricity. What is “sufficient”electricity????
This is the second day running and still we have no electricity. This is so frustrating. Last year we were without electricity for so long suffering HUGE financial losses. Why is New Redruth always the first area affected? All other areas are considered regarding the electricity except New Redruth. We don’t have ANY electricity and we are told all areas would have “sufficient”electricity. What is “sufficient” electricity????
Alberton North’s electricity came on for a couple of hours Monday evening. Went off again and nothing since then. I don’t think it is funny anymore. Who is going to compensate us for everything that goes off in the fridge. The EMM is just full of empty promises and nothing more. They are not able to tell the truth.
Power was still out this morning when i left for work – this is totally unacceptable – 2 streets from me all electricity was on why do only certain areas have to suffer when this happens – every time power cables get stolen the same area gets affected – how does this happen? Something has to be done about this seriously! Last year we had to endure the same thing – what about elderly people and little babies that need to be fed! This is totally ridiculous and unacceptable!