Residents raised concerns about the dangers posed by vagrants using the C50 substations as their shelter in Cinderella.
The transformer substation, located outside the blocks of flats corner Killian Avenue and Herzog Street, has been turned into a home for vagrants, used as a toilet and dumpsite. It also has one of its doors removed, and the remaining door to the transformers is left unlocked.
The Advertiser visited the area recently, after receiving calls from residents who said they feared the illegal activities and the trespassers in the substation may cause serious damages to the power utility’s infrastructure, resulting in prolonged power outages in the area.
Residents of the nearby properties said some vagrants were seen burning cardboards and other items to keep warm inside the substations recently.
“A few days ago, there was a fire inside the substation and I had to carry water from my house to extinguish it. Just imagine what could have happened to the transformers if we didn’t notice it and acted before the fire spread to the section where the transformers are located. The vagrants also sit there and use drugs.
“Authorities need to come out and do something to secure the substation properly. They must put a fence around it and replaced the missing door with another one that can be locked,” said a resident who asked to remain anonymous.
Residents said the problem is not just about the illegal activities taking place at the facility, they are also concerned about their safety.
Metro to investigate
The metro said its team will investigate the situation and take the necessary steps to address the problem.
According to metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the energy department was not aware of the vandalism and the other illegal activities taking place at the substation in Hertzog Street.
“We thank the Advertiser for bringing it to our attention. The C50 facility in Hertzog Street is one of the old consumer substations in town.
“We have 838 consumer substations and about 137 bigger substations in Boksburg Energy. Due to this high number, we do not visit all of them within a month,” said Dlamini.
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