Tshwane to restore power after week-long outage leaves residents anxious

After almost a week without electricity, the City of Tshwane worked around the clock to reconnect power for residents supplied by the Brakfontein substation.

Rooihuiskraal North resident, Jannie Bezuidenhout, who was without power since last Thursday, said he was nearing breaking point.

‘Devastating toll on mental health’

He said their home security was compromised, with nonfunctional electric fencing, gates and alarm systems, leaving them vulnerable and anxious.

“What’s most devastating is the toll on our mental health – we’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious and worried about our well-being.

“The lack of updates from the city has only added to our frustration and stress. We’re crying out for help and a solution to this crisis,” he said.

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Bezuidenhout said the recent changes in the city’s overtime policies had raised concerns about maintenance and repairs.

Phased power restoration plan

However, Tshwane MMC for utility services Frans Boshielo said residents could expect full restoration of electricity by Sunday.

“The city’s energy and electricity department is working tirelessly to restore power, applying a phased approach due to the severity of the damage,” he said.

Boshielo said specialised cleaning using dry ice to remove excessive carbon at the substation had been done.

He said the damaged equipment and burnt cables had been removed and the ring main units had been brought to the site to fix the damaged feeder cables.

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Boshielo said teams were finalising tests on the transformer and needed to pressure-test the busbars and feeder cables to determine insulation effectiveness.

He said some areas may be reenergised today.

Coalition politics flare up

But ActionSA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Tshepiso Modiba rejected claims by the mayor, whom he said blamed the power outages on budget cuts.

“The DA’s distortions are not only inaccurate, but also fail to acknowledge the proactive measures being implemented to ensure the reliability of our energy and electricity services,” he said.

Modiba said the hard work of the city’s dedicated teams was key to ensuring a reliable electricity supply.

“The multiparty coalition recognises the difficulties inherited from the failed previous administration led by Cilliers Brink,” he said.

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“However, under Nasiphi Moya’s leadership, the new administration is committed to rectifying the situation and prioritising reliable energy supply.

“Internal teams are currently focused on daily operations to service substations, working around the clock to stabilise the energy supply and improve service delivery in the capital city.”