Residents concerned about vandalised substation
The electrical substation in Terrace Road, Judith Paarl, is a concern for several residents in the area.
The EXPRESS visited the area recently, after receiving calls from residents who said they feared the vandalism had caused damage to household appliances.
Mr Serge Fookune, a resident, said he was also worried about what could happen if children went in there as the door to the substation is not locked.
“Children play in the street and you know they can be curious and go in there to see what is inside. The door is broken and it is not locked. That makes it easier for children to open it and go inside,” said Mr Fookune.
Only a small section of fence surrounding the substation remains, pointing to evidence that the substation used to be fenced off from the public.
Some residents said cable and metal theft causes a great deal of frustration. Cables are stolen which results in power outages in the area.
“About four weeks ago when it last happened, I came here and I realised something was wrong. I measured the voltage and it was over 500 volts, which is more than double the normal voltage. Everything was bursting here, the lights, plugs and appliances,” said Mr Fookune.
Mr Fookune said if the authorities don’t do something to secure the substation, vandalism will continue.
“We call City Power and they come out to fix it, but within a few days the vandalism happens again because the substation is not secure. The door to the substation is left unlocked.”
He said when there is a blackout, the problem is not just about being in the dark, residents are also concerned about their security.
“This happens frequently and I think City Power needs to do more than just fixing the wires. They must secure the substation properly, put a fence around it and install a door that can be locked. When a blackout occurs, it affects security as well,” he said.
Ward councillor, Clr Carlos Da Rocha, said he has reported the matter to City Power but is still waiting for a response from them.
The EXPRESS sent a request for comment to City Power on April 24.
At the time of going to print on April 30, no comment had been received.
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