After three weeks of power outages KwaGuqa residents might finally see the light
The continuation of cable theft could delay the power supply for surrounding areas of KwaGuqa Extensions.
Emalahleni Local Municipality confirmed that the 40 MVA transformers have been energised and are currently busy idling for circulation.
However, due to the continuation of cable theft various areas in KwaGuqa Extensions will continue facing power outages.
The municipality’s technical teams are in the process of energising the network in a systematic approach to avoid overloading the transformer.
The teams have been inspecting the networks regularly to identify all possible problems and theft and vandalism of infrastructure equipment.
Several challenges have been identified wherein cables have been stolen on the 2 bulk supply lines to Ring Sub 3 which are feeders to the following areas: KwaGuqa Extensions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 18 including Sinqobile and Emsagweni.
The substation supplying Empumelelweni extensions has been badly vandalised and will require extensive work to be done to restore supply which will be off for a prolonged time; spares are currently being sourced to implement the works.
In a statement issued by the municipality on Monday, May 22 regarding the restoring of electricity to the affected residents, the municipality requested community members to disconnect all electrical and electronic appliances as the status of the system is not known because the infrastructure has been off for a prolonged time.
Residents are urged to report any challenges and problems on the networks as the technical teams will be performing switching operations to implement testing and synchronisation.
Furthermore, the municipality pleaded for patience from residents. Supply will be unstable until the system is fully operational.
Do you have a story to share?
Please send us an email to info@witbanknews.co.za or phone us on 013 656 2490
· For more breaking and community news, visit Witbank News’ website witbanknews.co.za.
