BREAKING NEWS – Power out in parts of city after cable theft, vandalism

Certain parts of the city are reportedly experiencing a power outage due to cable theft and vandalism. Repairs to be effected to the substation providing electricity to the affected areas are under way.
Communications and Marketing Manager of Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo said in an alert that the substation supplies Serala View, Sterpark, Mall of the North, Thornhill, Savannah Mall, Netcare Pholoso Hospital and parts of Fauna and Flora Park and surrounds.
“Technicians have assessed the damage and in order to restore electricity as quickly as possible, they will in the interim replace one line out of two and one transformer out of three. Electricity will therefore be restored without backup and maximum capacity and this comes with a risk of experiencing power outages due to overload,” Mothapo said. He added that in order to sustain the supply, once restored, all the affected areas are requested to use electricity sparingly until all three transformers are back into service.
“It is expected that should everything go according to plan, the power should be restored between 24:00 tonight (Tuesday) and around 08:00 tomorrow,” Mothapo said. He explained that without this approach it would have taken a few days to get all the transformers back in operation and to restore power in all the affected areas.
“The municipality apologises for the inconvenience and will do everything possible to ensure that the damage is repaired and electricity be restored. In the meantime all electrical wiring should be considered to be live to avoid injury and all electrical appliances should be switched off to avoid damage,” Mothapo said.
He concluded by reminding the public of the municipality’s electricity call centre numbers on 015 290 2490 and 015 290 2705.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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