Following an eight-day power outage in parts of Sundowner due to theft and vandalism, two vulnerable substation rooms in the area have been adopted and secured.

Work at the substation on the corner of Moepel Street and Aries Avenue has now been completed, following a collaborative effort involving residents, the Sundowner Community Association (SCA), local businesses, security services, City Power and Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp. The prolonged outage highlighted just how important these facilities are to the community and the need to protect them against vandalism and criminal activity.

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At the Moepel Street substation, Belinda Osborne, from Aquo Water, installed and painted palisade fencing, providing an important, additional, physical security barrier. SB Security also stepped up by supplying and installing alarm systems at the substation rooms. The alarms are connected directly to the SB Security control room, with SB Security generously offering a free reaction service.

SCA member Jamie Hendry said the committee got involved and cleaned the landscaping all around because it was completely overgrown. He added that it has reached a stage where communities must start looking after themselves.

Steenkamp assisted with the necessary paperwork and approvals from City Power, helping to clear the way for the security work to proceed. He applauded the partnership and encouraged other communities to adopt substations. “This is a great example of the community, private organisation and council coming together to protect our infrastructure from criminals,” said Steenkamp. “I urge communities to look after their infrastructure and secure where they can.”

The completion of the security work at the Moepel Street and Aries Avenue substation is a positive example of what can be achieved when residents, businesses, security companies and local government work together. The SCA and stakeholders now hope that these additional security measures will help protect the substations, reduce the risk of vandalism and prevent residents from having to endure another prolonged power interruption.

Also read: Bromhof and Boskruin hit by power outage

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena encouraged other communities across Johannesburg to follow Sundowner’s example by becoming partners in the protection of electricity infrastructure. “Any community-based structure or individual may partner with City Power to adopt and protect specific electricity network infrastructure by taking part in this initiative. Residents who want to participate can visit the City Power website and download the application forms.”

Mangena added that by working together with communities, they can curb infrastructure crime, reduce outages and protect the network that keeps Johannesburg powered.

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