Vandalism leads to power outage
Eskom has indicated that the repairs to the substation might take more than a week to complete.
Eskom in Gauteng is hard at work rebuilding the Gravett Substation in Nigel, Ekurhuleni after it was extensively vandalised on May 28, plunging small business customers in the surrounding areas into extended darkness.
Eskom indicated that customers in Driemanskap plots, Glenroy farms, Rooikraal and Suikerbosrand are currently without electricity due to the vandalism of the substation, affecting small businesses in these areas.
The damage caused to the substation requires that the substation be rebuilt. Eskom estimated that it may take more than a week to repair and restore supply to the affected areas.
Eskom further promised the speedy, but proper and safe reconstruction of the substation.
The power utility also recently expressed concern about the increase in incidents of theft and vandalism of its electricity infrastructure in Gauteng.
Eskom reports that it has intensified efforts to address ongoing theft and vandalism on its infrastructure through partnering with law enforcement agencies and communities across the Gauteng province.
This partnership proves to be yielding fruits as more people are coming forward with information that has led to several arrests, prosecutions and convictions.
Eskom apologises for the inconvenience caused as it works on rebuilding the substation and restoring supply to the affected customers.
The public is encouraged to report illegal electricity-related activities to law enforcement agencies or the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722.
