Rodents suspected cause of Raslouw substation fire
Investigations pointed to a short circuit suspected to be caused by rodents gnawing through wires at the substation.
Power is expected to be restored to the areas supplied by the Raslouw substation on April 11 after a fire on Wednesday left residents in the dark.
Ward councillor Marika Kruger -said on Thursday morning that the electrical department expected to energise the area later in the day.
“The teams have been busy nonstop with repairs at Raslouw substation,” she said.
Tshwane Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso said that the fire was reported around 11:50 on April 10, and was promptly extinguished.
Also read: Raslouw substation flares up
Utility services and regional operation and coordination MMC, Themba Fosi, said an investigation fingered rodents as the cause of the fire.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a short circuit, initiated by rodents that had gnawed through the wires inside the panels,” he said.
“Further assessments conducted by our technical team revealed a faulty cable leading towards the Sunderland Ridge sewer treatment plant.”
He said that the remaining sections were cleared and power restored to Raslouw, Monavoni, Heuwelsig, and Celtisdal.
A breaker inside the substation that caught fire necessitated that the substation be disconnected.
Fosi said that Sunderland Ridge, Lekkerhoekie, Amca and Peachtree were still without power.
“We commend our team for their prompt action in responding to the fire outbreak, ensuring minimal damage and swift restoration efforts.”
Also read: Couple attacked in their Krauseville house
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