Several areas in Kwa-Thema have power restored
Power was restored in some areas of Kwa-Thema.
Kwa-Thema – After more than nine days without electricity, the power to some parts of Kwa-Thema was restored on Tuesday morning.
This came after the transformer at the Kwa-Thema main substation burnt down in the early hours of Thursday.
The cause of the fire is unknown, and investigations are underway.
Cable theft is suspected to be one of the contributing factors to the damage, especially the recent incident on the corner of Rokane and Thabahadi streets.
The power was restored after a community meeting on Monday morning, held at Kwa-Thema Community Hall, where residents asked that the Monareng substation be turned back on to supply some sections.
Ward 77 Clr Thulane Dunjana said because the Monareng substation wasn’t affected by the fire, the areas connected by it were reconnected.
“We are still exploring temporary solutions to reconnect the rest of Kwa-Thema, especially the areas whose source of electricity is the Kwa-Thema main station.
“At the moment, we are working to source electricity from the Vulcania South substation in Brakpan. The machinery to remedy the damage was delivered, showing there was progress.
“During the community meeting, 30 residents volunteered to help dig trenches for the connection and have since started working,” he added.
Dunjana estimated the power would be restored by the end of the week if all goes according to plan.
“We call for calm and patience from the residents because we are all trying our best to help restore power in the affected areas,” said Dunjana.
The Monareng substation had to be switched back on to power the water reservoirs because they cannot be off for more than a week. After all, the water levels and supply could be affected.
The areas that were restored are Tornado, half of Masimini, Nyanyadu Ext 1, Ext 4 -Phase 1 and 2, Mthembu Village, half of White City, Highland, Overline, Ekuthuleni, hostels and Phomolo sections.
Nyanyadu resident Okuhle Mnguni said: “We are happy with the restoration. However, the councillors promised they would request Eskom to suspend load-shedding temporarily, but that was not the case.
“For the community to be calm during this trying time, we need councillors to continue updating us on all the new developments,” she added.
Mguni said it was agreed at the public meeting that her home would be open to help those who still don’t have electricity.
“Those who want to charge their phones, cook and prepare hot water for their children’s bottles are welcome.
“Unfortunately, we have residents who are using this trying time as an opportunity to make money. We are calling on the spirit of ubuntu,” she added.
Simphiwe Mngomezulu from Ext 3 said it was unfair that some had power when other areas were still in the dark.
“We should all stand in solidarity until all the sections get reconnected. I feel the metro will now drag their feet because many sections now have power, ” he added.
