Parts of CBD without power after vandalism at mini substation

The Krugersdorp community received information recently that a mini substation at the corner of Jeppe and Von Brandis Streets had been vandalised beyond repair. According to the message, replacing the substation will take some time.

The News reached out to the Mogale City Local Municipality for clarity.

Also read: Parts of Noordheuwel without power after vandalism at substation.

Given Masuku, the municipality’s Energy Services Manager responded and explained that properties along these two streets would be affected by the power outage.

The message also said that due to no resources, it may take some time to replace the substation. Masuku explained that Mogale City is using available resources to source and replace the vandalised mini substation to restore the electricity supply.

Also read: ‘Illegal electricity related acts rife in Gauteng’

“As soon as the electricity miniature substation unit has been sourced and delivered to the site, the installation process will take a day and power will be restored.”

He added that on Tuesday morning, February 14 they discovered that the mini substation was cut open and the transformer copper windings were stripped off and stolen.

“It appears to be a well-organised technical team with access to heavy lifting machinery.”

They want to urge residents to assist them in protecting our electricity infrastructure by reporting any suspicious activity around substations to Public Safety or the police.

The continued vandalism and theft of infrastructure make it difficult for the municipality to keep up with the replacement costs of damaged infrastructure. As a result, resources will never be adequate should theft and vandalism levels remain this high.

“People in the area will be without power for an undetermined period,” read the message.