Transformer repair is on schedule -CoE

Kwa-Thema – The CoE has confirmed that the Kwa-Thema main substation (Nkabinde) transformer is being repaired and will be returned once the tests are complete.

The transformer caught fire on May 11, 2023, leaving half of Kwa-Thema without power for over a month.
Parts of Kwa-Thema were connected to the Monareng substation, while others were later connected to the Vulcania South substation, causing problems for residents.

Since Christmas, the areas connected to the Vulcania substation have experienced problems with their electricity, spending over a day with no power.

On Monday and Tuesday, the areas connected to the Monareng substation spent over 20 hours without electricity.

Also from Monday, the community of Kwa-Thema Ext 6 did not have electricity, resulting in a protest at the Nkabinde substation on Thursday.

Ward 79 Clr Njabulo Mbonani said, “I called a meeting on Wednesday to give an update from the CoE to the residents that their electricity issues would be solved after the metro installs meters.”

He said he worries that the process might take close to six weeks.

On Wednesday, Kwa-Thema ward councillors released a video statement with Clr Sizwe Nhleko saying the transformer had been fixed.

“After several site visits to the company fixing the transformer, we can confirm that all has been fixed. The only thing remaining is for the CoE to pay the service provider so the transformer can be returned,” he said.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said, “The transformer has been repaired and all major tasks completed. Only the FAT (factory acceptance tests) is outstanding.”

He said the FAT is scheduled for February 7, there are no delays, and the repairs are going as per the repair schedule.

Dlamini said the transformer will return once the FAT is complete and all technical checks are signed off and accepted by the energy department.