Latest information on Nigel’s power struggle

Wollaston Labuschage, DA ward councillor for Nigel (Ward 88), met with the energy department’s area engineer again this morning (June 23).

“The area engineer has confirmed that he requested a letter of consent from the property owners to do the necessary work,” said Labuschagne.
“The operations manager also had a meeting with a local company, which has offered its services to erect a temporary structure.”

Labuschagne said that he has received communication from the department’s divisional head, who assured him that the City of Ekurhuleni is working around the clock to find a solution and restore the electricity supply as soon as possible.

The divisional head also indicated that the pylon and some of the accessories were badly damaged during the incident and could not be reused.

The short-term plan will be to erect a temporary structure to have at least one or two circuits energised so that they may carry 100% of the load without any contingency.

According to communication received by Labuschagne, this short-term plan should happen in the next seven days.

The City is also engaging with material suppliers and contractors who will be able to assist in the timelines of this process.

In the next three to six months, the City will rebuild the affected section of the line, which will also provide a full contingency of another circuit.

Labuschagne added that he will keep the community updated as he receives information.