Kwa-Thema – Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza handed the transformer for the Nkabinde substation to the community on Friday.
The transformer caught fire last year after what the metro suspects was an incident of vandalism, leaving residents without electricity for weeks. The transformer has since been restored and refurbished.
“The transformer was delivered on Wednesday, and work has already started to reconnect it to the grid. We do not want the residents to suffer during winter because the need for electrical power increases,” said the MMC of Energy in Ekurhuleni, Mzayifani Ngwenya.
The damage caused by the fire was about R70m, and the transformer cost the metro upwards of R7m to repair.
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“To build a new transformer could take about five years, and our capable team of professionals ensured we got the best possible service provider to prioritise this work,” Ngwenya added.
Xhakaza said the project could have been completed months ago if there had been proper leadership.
He also said the metro is doing its part to ensure the safety of all the equipment on site.
“The place is fenced. There is an electric fence and security personnel on guard. We are consistently investigating new technologies. We have an early warning system and cameras at certain spots,” he explained.
He emphasised that the community needs to take ownership of the resources.
“People must pay attention and report any suspicious behaviour they observe around the substation,” he added.
The mayor said the transformer would go live by May 15.
Mduduzi Mncube, the head of operations at the Department of Energy, explained that there is double protection for the supply of electricity.
“We have ring main units and panels to ensure any fault that comes through will be cleared,” he said.
Ward 76 Clr Thulane Dunjane addressed the community which had gathered outside the substation.
“Thank you, Kwa-Thema, for your patience. Now that the transformer is back, it is our responsibility to protect it,” he said.
Dunjane also told residents that the substation could accommodate two transformers.
He said the mayor would return to explore the possibility of installing another transformer and using the substation to its fullest capacity.
One resident who waited outside the substation to see the mayor was Sophie Motaung.
“We are so happy the transformer is back. Our suffering will come to an end. We appreciate all the municipal officials who made this possible. Thank you,” she said.
