Metro continues to address power outages due to storms
The metro said that the recent and continuous severe thunderstorms caused widespread damage, with technicians overstretched to address the power outage backlog.
Residents across Pretoria have been without power for up to a week as the metro battles to clear the backlog of outages caused by the severe storms that have hit the city.
MMC for utilities and regional operations Themba Fosi said on Thursday afternoon that repair work on primary and secondary electricity networks continued after the storms.
“Residents are assured that the city is actively coordinating with regional teams to mitigate the impact of these outages.”
Fosi said that medium-voltage outages in Tswaing and Orange Farm in Region 1 were being attended to.
Power lines in Region 2 and the Bon Accord substation had been restored while ground teams were on site at the Vastfontein power line addressing issues.
“Significant challenges persist in Region 3, including broken overhead lines, low and medium-voltage cable faults and medium-voltage equipment failures.”
He said that delays in resolving some of the outages were to be expected as resource constraints affected turn-around times.
“A transmission team has been deployed to Region 3,” the metro said on Thursday.
“Region 3 technicians have been overstretched due to the size of the network that they cover, and the number of outages experienced over the past few days, resulting in a massive restoration backlog.”
In Centurion, medium-voltage outages had been largely addressed and single outages were being attended to.
Fosi said that in Region 5, which includes Mamelodi, teams were experiencing challenges with stolen equipment and that the metro was in the process of replacing the stolen items.
He said that the metro was in the process of cutting trees, and repairing poles, and cables to address outages in Refilwe, Baviaanspoort and Pienaarspoort.
“A significant improvement has been noted in Region 6 [Pretoria east and surrounds].”
He said that teams were addressing backlogs and single outages, while issues at the Wapadrand and Waltloo substations had been resolved.
“Tshwane assures residents that every effort is being made to expedite the restoration of power and address the challenges posed by the recent thunderstorms,” said Fosi.
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