City Power’s mobile diesel generator causes discomfort
City Power has confirmed that the mini-substation in Windsor West will be fixed and the generator will be removed
City Power’s mobile diesel generator that was installed to power up the vandalised mini-substation at the corner of Kings and Alexander streets in Windsor West is causing enormous distress to residents.
The generator was turned on on September 4, creating ear-deafening noise for homeowners, particularly at Willows Estate, which is only a few metres away.
Resident Gillian Rosenberg said that the generator is right next to her room and they were told it will take only 48 hours to replace the substation.
“It is right outside my place – I have windows and doors closed all the time. I have an allergy to whatever is emanating from the fumes there. I have been sneezing, coughing and developed sinusitis. I went out – away to a friend, and all the symptoms went down and they came back when I was at home. The noise is torture.”
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said they apologise to the Windsor West residents for the outstanding mini-substation installation. “We understand the resident’s frustration with the generator’s noise and the space it occupies.
“We aim to restore the power supply for all residents as soon as possible with available resources. In this instance, the Randburg service delivery centre received many theft and vandalism cases, which included cables, transformers, and mini-substations. These incidents threaten our infrastructure and exhaust our resources.”
Ward 99 councillor Beverley Jacobs said she is grateful that City Power brought the generator but it was supposed to be for one or two days and not more than four weeks as it is.
“It is polluting environmentally because it is not a normal household generator. The people here are battling with the air and noise pollution.”
She explained that with the cost of running the generator, the entity could have bought mini-substation infrastructure to fix and build more substations.
Mangena confirmed that the incident at Windsor West happened when mini-substation stock availability was limited.
“To restore the power supply for residents, a generator was sourced and installed. City Power understands its responsibility to customers and has committed to keeping the generator running at its costs.
“Meanwhile, a team has managed to source a mini-substation and all materials required to replace the mini-substation. The repairs will be completed by October 10,” he added.
Jacobs was also concerned about the financial impact the generator will have in the financial year.
“We are going to feel this in the budget. The City of Joburg and City Power are already saying they do not have budget, and yet, we are dealing with costs like this.”
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