Westville electricity substation torched by disgruntled contractors

A Westville North electricity substation was among the many torched and vandalised, allegedly by disgruntled contractors in Durban on Monday, Highway Mail reports.

According to eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela, the cost of the damage to infrastructure is estimated to run into hundreds of thousands of Rands.

DA PR councillor for ward 92, Caelee Laing said she and ward 18 councillor, Melanie Brauteseth were alerted about a substation on fire in Westville North.

Laing said she contacted an official in the fire department who confirmed the incident had occurred.

“We went to the site and contacted officials from the electricity department as a number of residents were without power,” said Laing.

The substation was replaced on Tuesday morning after technicians worked through the evening to fix the problem.

“By Tuesday morning, we were informed by residents that the power was restored,” she said.

Brauteseth added that there has been much concern raised by residents regarding the incident.

“There is an indication of sabotage however, it is currently being investigated,” she said.

City confirms acts of sabotage

Mayisela confirmed that there were multiple acts of sabotage by sub-contractors to it’s city-wide infrastructure on Monday.

“A number of substations were broken into, vandalised, switched off and some of them torched, leading to multiple power outages across the city.

“Thousands of customers were left without electricity and the cost of the damage to infrastructure is estimated to run into hundreds of thousands of Rands,” he said.

He said the damage to much-needed infrastructure was an act of sabotage from sub-contractors dissatisfied with contractual agreements negotiated between the main contractor and the municipality.

“Perpetrators have been identified and will be facing criminal charges and blacklisting by the municipality. Anyone seen perpetuating further damage to infrastructure will face the same might.”

Mayisela said no contracts were terminated as alleged by reports circulating in the media.

“However, it can be confirmed that the contract is coming to an end next month. “The municipality only has a legal relationship with the main contractor. It is the contractor’s responsibility to communicate with sub-contractors any information necessary at the time,” he said.