Van Tonder said although the new switchgear has arrived on site, the damaged components have to be cleaned first, which is a lengthy process. Photo submitted.
Parts of Rand West City are experiencing a power outage after an intake breaker (switchgear) at the Drowel Substation failed on Thursday night.
Alwyn van Tonder, councillor for Ward 3 (farming and rural areas) said there is a possibility that power will be restored only by tomorrow, but technicians are working hard to try to have the power back on by this afternoon (Friday, 12 June).
Areas affected include parts of Homelake and Greenhills, Helikon Park, Randgate, Randpoort, Bootha plots, Loumarina, Wilbotsdal, Elandsvlei, Townlands, Oosterplotte and Wheatlands.
Damaged components at Drowel Substation. Photo submitted.
“Eskom switchgear of 1 250amp failed. Although new switchgear has arrived on site, the damaged components have to be cleaned first, which is a lengthy process.
“This is unfortunate and not due to a lack of maintenance. It can happen without warning.
“Everything possible is being done to try and get the power supply back by this afternoon, but there is a chance that there may be no power in the affected areas before tomorrow.”
Emergency Services on scene at Drowel Substation on Thursday night. Photo submitted.
Van Tonder said everything possible is being done to try and get the power supply back by Friday afternoon. Photo submitted.
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For more than 4 and a half years, Clinton Botha was a journalist at Roodepoort Record. His articles were regularly published in the Northside Chronicle now known as the Roodepoort Northsider. Clinton is also the editor of Randfontein Herald since July 2020. As a sports fanatic he wormed his way into various "beats - as the media would know it - and admits openly that his big love always have something to do with a scoreboard, crowds and usually a ball that hops.
