Several residents of Alexandra are without electricity following an explosion at Vasco da Gama switching substation on 16 August.
City Power said a preliminary investigation suggests that there was attempted vandalism and theft at the switching substation, one of many in recent weeks, which led to an explosion that burnt most of the equipment. Alexandra Police Station spokesperson, Sergeant Smiphiwe Mbatha said, “I cannot confirm at this stage whether it was due to theft or vandalism since no case has been reported yet.”
Five distributors will remain off until repairs and replacements are done.
Areas affected include from 2nd to 18th avenues, between Vasco and Hofmeyr streets. A team is on-site to assess and start with repairs on 17 August.
“Due to the magnitude of the work involved and the mopping up that needs to happen, we expect to finish with the repairs by Wednesday [19 August], after which we will restore, if all goes according to plan,” said City Power. “Unfortunately, we are unable to back feed the affected areas, we apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
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