Substation repairs: ‘Everything possible is being done to restore the electricity’

While updates are streaming in from ward councillors to update the community about repair work at two substations, residents demand answers as to when they will finally be able to turn on their lights.

Ward councillor Alwyn van Tonder explained the transformer from the Drowel Substation has been successfully moved to the Market Substation. He added the team on site is currently busy removing the second transformer.

• Also read: Residents angered despite repairs continuing at substations

“In the midst of the chaos, an underground pipeline was damaged while the team lifted the transformer in Market Street. It might affect the water pressure and has been reported to the relevant department,” Van Tonder said.

“The technical teams are doing their best to restore the electricity as soon as possible. With the transformer in position, they can now concentrate on the cable work and related tasks. We know that residents are frustrated and feel hopeless but I can assure you that everything possible is being done to restore the electricity,” he expressed.

• Also read: Power outages: Progress being made at Market, Drowel substations

One resident living in Langerman Street, Andretta Fourie, expressed her frustration with the ongoing issue.

“Well, I think that the municipality is pathetic. Years ago, you could brag about our town but now it is falling apart. First, it was the water that was off. Now the power. We lost all the meat and vegetables that we bought, and the baby’s food. It’s January so everyone has debts to pay, so how do you replace all that stuff? One has to struggle with bath water, especially the baby. Buying meat from day to day is also expensive.

“I think the municipality needs to wake up and give jobs to people who want to work. Otherwise, our town will perish and people will get fed up with their excuses. It’s all the town hears but there are never any solutions,” she concluded.