UPDATE: Power outage to drag on until the weekend for some areas

While some areas of Benoni had power restored after the large-scale outage that occurred on March 23, those living in Goedeberg, Northmead and Farrarmere will have to wait until April 1 to see some light.

According to a report from the City of Ekurhuleni’s Energy Department on March 26, the outage was attributed to an oil-filled 132kV cable that tripped due to low pressure.

The areas affected included Rynfield, Morehill, Northmead, Brentwood Park, Goedeberg, Farrarmere and Brentwood Park.

On March 24, the leak was located and the oil was again pumped. However, two more faults on the same line were discovered.

Teams excavated the line to assess the additional faults, which have since been repaired.

On March 26, Acacia, parts of President Brand, Deane Crescent, parts of O’Reilly Merry, Dickinson, Benoni, High and Glen Gory roads and Glen Norton’s power was restored.

Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph explained that the cable, which runs from Benoni CBD to the affected areas, is over 40 years old and severely dated given the increased load it carries.

“Oil-filled high capacity voltage cables were used because oil does not conduct electricity and, therefore, keeps the cable from overheating,” she said.

“Unfortunately, due to the leak, the oil seeped from the affected line causing it to overheat and become damaged, which subsequently led to the widespread outage.

“Jointing these cables is not an easy fix and teams have to ensure that no dirt or residue is on the cables during jointing. Once the cable has been correctly insulated the joint can be completed and oil can once again be pumped.”

Joseph confirmed that the process of pumping oil into the system commenced on March 28 and will only be concluded on March 31.

“Through six-hour rotational load-sharing, the remainder of the areas which have not yet been switched on will be divided into two sections until the reparation process has been completed,” she said.

“This, unfortunately, does not include Goedeberg, Northmead and Farrarmere as the entire load from these three suburbs could not be migrated to other nearby substations. These areas will remain off until the repair is completed. All efforts are being made to ensure a speedy turn-around time.”

Replacing
Joseph added that in September, the Ekurhuleni metro started replacing this same 13.5km length of cable but the process has not yet been completed, therefore, the affected cable needs to remain in use.

In the interim, residents are requested to not visit the site where technical teams are currently working.

“These sites are dangerous not only for members of the public but due to members of infrastructure teams in other areas recently being attacked and murdered while attempting to execute their duties,” said Joseph.

“As councillors we are communicating verifiable and authentic updates to our communities. Should city officials be found to willfully be misleading us, disciplinary processes will be instituted.”

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