Thieves loot Ferndale substation for third time this year
FERNDALE – Residents go without power for days as substation is targeted by thieves again and again.
The substation on Harley Street, Ferndale, has been looted by thieves three times this year, leaving residents without power for days.
The latest incident, on 29 April, came 11 days after Ward 102 councillor David Potter had asked City Power and Eskom to increase safety measures at the site.
“Large parts of Ferndale, the Randburg CBD, Kya Sand, Riverbend, Vandia Grove and surrounds are supplied by the substation,” Potter later explained to the Randburg Sun, on a site visit along with Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood.
“There is no security guard nor alarm at this large intake substation. City Power risk control and operations is missing in action in ensuring the substation is secured. Doors are easily opened, and tunnels used to move.”
Up close, it is easy to see why the substation has been broken into frequently.
The fence is easily scalable, the overhead street light is missing its bulb and no personnel are in sight.
One of the three transformers at the substation has been out of action for months, and as such the theft left only one transformer working.
Since the latest theft, new bars had been placed on the doors, and a security company tasked guards with watching the site overnight.
But this is not enough, according to Wood.
“There should be 24-hour security and at least an alarm system,” he said.
“Beams should be installed so authorities can at least be aware when theft is in progress.”
City Power spokesperson, Isaac Rampedi said the stolen cables have already been replaced, but batteries are still needed.
He said City Power would also look at getting an alarm system at the substation, and work with local crime prevention authorities, as a long-term solution.
Details: City Power estimations@citypower.co.za; 011 490 7000.
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