There has been a large power outage affecting multiple suburbs in the Alberton area this afternoon, January 28.

According to Tim Denny, Ward 106 Councillor, the power outage is due to an explosion at the large substation between the R59, Potgieter Street and Swartkoppies.

Cllr Denny advises Ward 106 residents to be prepared for a lengthy time period before power is restored.

“Updates will be provided as and when received,” added Cllr Denny.

UPDATE: 14:00

According to Cllr Malcolm Maifala-Masebe, The Energy Department has advised that the Breaker failed to feed Mayberry Park lost all feeders from Eskom. The damage is being inspected.

Areas affected include:

Meyersdal, Alrode, New Redruth, Alberante, Mayberry Park, Brackenhurst, Brackendowns and Thokoza North.

“The team is said to be currently on site,” said Cllr Maifala-Masebe.

At this stage, there is no estimated restoration time.

UPDATE: January 29, 8:00

Ward 38 councillor Malcolm Maifala-Masebe updated residents with the below statement this Saturday morning:

Given that last night, the team had to stop working on fixing the power due to the rain. The Energy Department indicated that they would only continue once the rain has stopped.

“As I said yesterday around 17:00, add a few hours after the turnaround time given by the department, it has turned out that the department could not meet their time due to the rain overnight.”

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“As things stand, we are waiting for the department to give new information,” he said.

Cllr Maifala-Masebe confirmed that while residents don’t have power at this stage, the communication from the department and the city has improved. It looks like the multi-party coalition government is managing to at least keep residents more informed than the previous administration.

“I do apologise for the inconvenience we are experiencing at this time. Another update will be given as and when information from the department is received,” added Cllr Maifala-Masebe.