Ferndale substation left open for anyone to enter and meddle with the power
FERNDALE – Homeless live on substation grounds after gate and door are left open.
Homeless people have been living at the back of an unkempt substation in Ferndale for weeks.
With overgrown brush and a gate, the substation on the corner of Oxford Street and Long Avenue is easily accessed and provides plenty of cover for its ‘residents’.
The gate and door both stand ajar and anyone can walk in and turn off the power for the area.
“This is just a summary of the situation with substations across the City of Johannesburg,” complained Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood, who said he has brought up the lack of maintenance of this substation, and others, with City Power many times.
“It is only when a Ward councillor or residents association complains that the municipality does anything. I have asked for regular maintenance many times before.”
Recently, a larger substation on Harley Street, Ferndale, was looted by thieves for the third time this year, leaving residents frustrated and without electricity yet again.
The substation’s lock was replaced and a security company has stationed guards outside it periodically, now.
But the Oxford and Long substation has received no maintenance for what appears to be a very long time, with grass and bushes between waist and shoulder height in many places.
Some plants have grown as tall as a man standing on another man’s shoulders.
Questions were sent to City Power spokesperson, Isaac Rampedi, and Randburg Sun will update readers on the matter when he responds.
Details: City Power estimations@citypower.co.za, 011 490 7000; Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood 082 853 2174.
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