The mini-substation on 5th Avenue in Parkhurst went up in flames on Friday (28 February) leaving many parts in Parkhurst in the dark for a few days.
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck tweeted information he received from the City Power depot team which said that they were aware of the burned substation on 5th Avenue, their technicians were on-site and in the process of replacing the mini-substation.
We are currently experiencing power interruption in Parkhurst due to burnt mini substation. Work order in progress.^LP
— @CityPowerJhb (@CityPowerJhb) February 29, 2020
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Truluck said residents were without power for three days.
Feedback fm @CityPowerJhb Depot re Burned Mini-Substation in 5th Ave, @Parkhurst_JHB
"Arrangement of replacement mini-substation is in progress. Our guys are going onsite for assessment."
My best case scenario estimate: u probably will have power by Sun night/Mon morning. pic.twitter.com/0EPvuTfqPn
— Cllr Tim (@jozi117) February 29, 2020
Substation on fire on the 12th Avenue in Parkhurst. pic.twitter.com/Ja1MQzeoox
— PigSpotter™ Pty Ltd (@PigSpotter) February 28, 2020
Some residents were not so optimistic on the restoration of power as they were still in the dark during the first two days:
I’d say you won’t have power for 5 days minimum. The Sunday ETR is too optimistic
— Prudence B. Radipabe (@prue82) February 29, 2020
Are these substations not supposed to be weatherproof?????…I’m making an assumption that it was overwhelmed by the heavy downpour which is most likely incorrect, but under the circumstances ????
— Lesala Kolobe (@lkzip13) February 29, 2020
2 possible causes of that fire- 1 The substation door might have been open while there was downpour, hence direct h2o ingress to the live equipment. 2. A deadly fault on the cables which resulted in protective equipment failing to operate in time .
— Habbakuk 2 v 3 (@SamuelMatandi) February 29, 2020
On 1 March, City Power collected the new mini-substation which made its way to 5th Avenue, to restore power in Parkhurst.
New Minisub has been loaded and is on its way to 5th Ave @Parkhurst_JHB . @CityPowerJhb pic.twitter.com/67tDOuaOpC
— Cllr Tim (@jozi117) March 1, 2020
The trench has been dug for the wiring & the @CityPowerJhb Mini Sub has arrived in 5th Ave, @Parkhurst_jhb. pic.twitter.com/zxmTF38TyP
— Cllr Tim (@jozi117) March 1, 2020
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