ALBERTON – Two substations have been targeted by thieves in Alrode. These thefts will result in a load shedding schedule for different parts of Alrode.
Alrode is now not only affected by the national electricity shortage, but will be negatively affected by this new schedule as well.
“The power crisis in Alrode is a crisis of unprecedented proportion. Alrode is part of the largest industrial node in South Africa and Africa. One of the core employment generators in our region are the industries in Alrode, and at the same time Alrode is a major economic contributor to our region. I am not sure how much more business and industry can endure before we start seeing economic casualties, industries closing and major job losses in our area,” Neil Diamond said about the implications this new schedule would have on businesses in Alrode.
The Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) has stated in a press release that they have drafted a temporary load reduction schedule for Alrode specifically. This schedule will be implemented to reduce the inconvenience of the current power supply interruption, the result of substations Z2 and Z7 been targeted by thieves.
The substation Z7 was targeted on Friday April 24, in the early hours of the morning. Repairs to this substation are still under way. Substation Z2 was targeted on April 28. In both cases oil valves have been stolen.
“Repairs are under way, the oil valves have been replaced. Technicians are in the process of purifying the oil, which has to be replaced in the transformers, after leaking as a result of the stolen valves,” Lebogang Ramashala said when asked about the status of the repairs on both substations.
When the EMM was asked about preventative measures for the protection of substations they said that they are currently considering what the best security measures may be for the affected substations and others in the area.
“Something has to be done about this business crisis in Alrode. Ekurhuleni should seriously consider directing resources to improve security at substations that supply industrial areas. Substations should be upgraded with more secure perimeter fencing and monitoring through CCTV and early warning systems of cable theft.
“Ekurhuleni should implement a rapid response team that can target cable theft where and when it happen. We need to protect reliability of power supply to industry, and protect jobs and economic activity for the survival of our city! I personally believe the courts also need to be more assertive in their rulings and sanctions on cable theft – it has become economic sabotage!”
Cllr Diamond shared his views on the possible way forward to prevent thefts at substations.

*Temporary load shedding schedule for Alrode