GERMISTON POWER OUTAGE: Cable repairs could take 5 to 7 days

Ward councillors Wendy Morgan and Kade Guerreiro have informed residents that the current power outage in large parts of Germiston will require a lengthy repair process.

In a statement shared by Guerreiro and Morgan they advised residents that they have consulted with senior personnel who explained the process of identifying the fault and the repair process of the cable.

The nature of the cable requires a specialised team to remove the damaged section, test the cable in both directions of which the length of the cable is about 10km, and ascertain whether there are not further faults.

Once the test process has been completed and no further faults are found, a new section of cable will be joined. This too requires specialised equipment and expertise.

Guerreiro warned that this will not be a quick fix and no restoration time is available.

“Historically this type of repair can take between five to seven days.”

Also read: Local businesses crippled by power outages

Both councillors advised that Eskom is treating the power outage as a priority repair.

“We know residents are frustrated. The area is unsafe and we urge residents to avoid the Walnut Street area where repair work is taking place,” said Guerreiro.

Also read: Germiston residents voice grievances on constant power outages

Following the power outage, Sunnyridge area also reported a water outage.

Morgan advise that this is a result of the power outage.

Despite an urgent media inquiry sent to City of Ekurhuleni and Eskom, both entities have not yet replied.