Illegal mining activity negatively impacts Roodepoort substations

City Power confirmed that they are in the process of conducting a geotechnical study around the Roodepoort area, where critical electricity infrastructure is at risk of collapsing.

The study is to determine whether the structural integrity of the two substations that are sitting right next to illegal mining activities is still intact, or whether an alternative solution needs to be sought.

Thursday, February 16 saw the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department Jack Sekwaila embark on an oversight visit along with officials from City Power to understand the extent of the problem with the view of working on solutions.

Officials visited Robertville and Roodepoort Substations, where visible ground and structural cracks and holes could be seen around the infrastructure.

Some structural components at the substations include the pedestal on which the transformers and the switchgear sit and the concrete area is shaky, with the risk of the substation caving in at any time.

According to City Power Spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, some of the illegal miners (zama zamas) were spotted digging right outside the Roodepoort Substation, threatening the integrity of the surface floor and the pylons along the servitude run.

Mangena said that in the last year, the same substation came under attack from suspected illegal miners who cut through the fence to gain entry.

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It is reported that the zama zamas ripped off 24 copper cables from at least three transformers, striped off some copper earth conductors, and vandalised most of the substation, leaving a trail of almost R3.5m destruction cost.

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During his visit, Sekwaila expressed deep concern as the illegal mining practices seemingly continue unhindered.

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“We would like to reiterate our call to law enforcement agencies to intensify the fight against the zama zamas – who have not only destroyed our infrastructure but also stolen and vandalise City Power property, we should by all means, avoid any disaster that could happen here due to the zama zama activities,” said Sekwaila.

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City Power Chief Engineer for Infrastructure Planning, Hilda Nonkonyana said that the ground assessment will be done as a matter of urgency.

“A geotechnical study will be carried out immediately and a decision will be taken thereafter on whether the substations should be moved to another location or not. Another consideration as a stop-gap would be to deploy mobile substations while a lasting solution is implemented. City Power is also currently looking for safer land space, should a need for relocation arise. We have increased security in and around the substation, however, it’s proving to be insufficient, hence the appeal to the police to assist in arresting the alleged criminals and carry out regular patrols within the vicinity of the affected infrastructure,” said Nonkonyana.