Maintenance backlogs on ageing metro infrastructure coupled with rampant cable theft and vandalism remained a major headache for authorities.
This as the metro struggles to catch up to a five-year infrastructure backlog and implementation of several projects, which would take years to complete.
“About 60 percent of power outages in the east are caused by cable theft and vandalism,” utility services MMC Darryl Moss told Rekord.
“The problem is unfortunately made worse by a significant backlog in the construction of bulk electricity infrastructures such as transformers and substations,” he said.
“Another problem facing the metro is reaching electricity supply capacity. A new energy in-feed station is desperately needed.”
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While the project to build such a station was moving ahead, Moss said the new station being built in the east of Mamelodi would only be completed by 2021.
The construction of bulk electricity infrastructure, including transformers and substations, was being addressed in a three-year construction plan. The backlog, however, remained a problem.
“This is also being worked on,” said Moss.
“Maintenance budgets are being increased over the next three years.”
The city was also busy on a project to upgrade existing substations.
“We have budgeted R152 million for this project in the current financial year,” he said.
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“Contractors for the supply of panels have been appointed and the actual installations will commence shortly.
“There is little room for error. We are running at about 93 percent of Eskom supply capacity, which should not be the case. It gives us very little room for any slippage.
“There will be dire implications if we do not cut down on our electricity usage,” Moss warned.
“The metro actually has regular meetings with large power users to encourage them to cut down on their energy demands.”
Moss foresees no immediate problems, however.
“We are busy refurbishing our two coal-fired power stations. Both should be operational before winter. This will give us some additional supply.
“We are also looking at other energy-saving measures such as LED streetlights. At the same time, we encourage all users to limit their power usage wherever possible.”
Moss said there were still far too many outages in the east, particularly on the Onbekend and Zwavelpoort line.
An extensive tree pruning exercise was underway, while line and cable inspections have been stepped up.
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Tender specifications for technological protection of critical city infrastructure have also been finalised.
According to Moss, this tender was expected to be advertised within the next few weeks.
Moss previously told Rekord the metro was short of about 70 electrical teams, but vacancies had been advertised.
“A number of appointments have been since made, particularly in the regional structures responsible for repairs and maintenance.
“We are also quite far advanced in restructuring to make the most of the human resources we do have,” he said.
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