POWER OUTAGE: Rain-delayed repairs are underway again
No further updates had been received at the time of publication.
It has been more than 34 hours since Mackenzie Park, Rynsoord, New Modder, Western Extension, the CBD, as well as parts of Northmead and Rynfield, again suffered a large-scale power outage, which occurred in the early hours of February 12.
An update just in indicates work has again commenced to repair the 32kVA underground aluminium feeder cable. Previous work was hampered by the earlier rainfall.
The cable, which runs along Snake Road between the Morehill and CBD substations, was once again damaged during an attempted cable theft.
This is the second time since January 24 that the cable has been targeted by criminals, resulting in thousands of residents and business being left in the dark.
At 21:31 last night, Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph released an update on various community WhatsApp groups stating that the CoE’s Energy Department confirmed that repair work had been completed successfully and all workmanship has been verified on site.
Comprehensive electrical testing, including detailed inspections of link boxes was scheduled to take place in the morning.
At 10:47, the department again sent out a statement which read: “Today’s planned activities have not commenced due to ongoing rainfall. The wet weather conditions are currently hindering progress on site and limiting the team’s ability to proceed with the work. Operations will resume as soon as conditions improve and it is safe to continue.”
CPF takes charge
As a large portion of Benoni residents are once again left to fumble in the dark, members of the Benoni CPF along with the Benoni Taxi Association (BTA) mobilised its members to safeguard the affected cable.
“Throughout the night, members from both organisations conducted patrols in the area, ensuring that would-be criminals would not return to finish what they started,” said Benoni CPF spokesperson Ashley McKenzie.
“We are committed ensuring the safety of our community as well as the city’s infrastructure.”
ALSO READ: POWER OUTAGE: Snake Road cable allegedly damaged by thieves, again
ALSO READ: Power outage: Rynfield and Northmead remain off
