Jagersfontein tragedy: Possibility that Eskom substation will have to be rebuild
Municipal infrastructure might also be damaged
Eskom has made significant progress in restoring bulk electricity supply to Jagersfontein in the Free State. This follows the tragic events that unfolded in and around Jagersfontein yesterday morning (Sunday 11 September) when the wall of a mining dam burst, leading to mudslides. Eskom’s Rietkuil Substation was engulfed by mud, severely damaging the infrastructure. Rietkuil Substation is a bulk supply point from which Centlec, the electricity distributor in the area, supplies Jagersfontein and Charlesville.
Electricity supply to Jagersfontein Mine was restored yesterday afternoon. In addition, plans are in motion to restore bulk supply to Centlec through alternative feeders. If all goes according to plan, bulk supply should be restored by Tuesday, 13 September. Please note that municipal infrastructure might have also been damaged, leading to prolonged supply interruptions.
Eskom customers on the Fauresmith-Spitskop and Pompie-Rietkuil feeders are however still without electricity supply due to 50 poles that collapsed as a result of the flood. Muddy conditions are making this area unreachable, leaving us with seven rural customers who are without supply.
The Rietkuil Substation is also still inaccessible making it impossible to calculate the extent of the damage. The possibility does exist that the station will have to be rebuilt in its entirety.
Eskom will continue to work with the various disaster management structures in addressing the devastating situation in Jagersfontein.
Although all electrical structures have been isolated for safety, electricity users are urged to treat all electrical lines, sockets, and appliances as live and dangerous.
