Mayor calls for tightening of security at Claudius Substation following theft and vandalism
Residents in several areas supplied by the substation have been without electricity since December 2.
The Tshwane metro electricity team is working to restore power to the Claudius Substation in Centurion following a fire that broke on December 1.
The aftermath of the fire is one of several matters that the metro is addressing, along with repairing and reinstalling stolen and damaged cables.
The Claudius Substation has faced about three break-ins this year alone.
Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya has emphasised the need for improvements to prevent future criminal incidents at the substation.
Tshwane in a statement informed residents on December 4 that the substation was still unable to supply power and the matter was linked to multiple incidents of theft and vandalism within the substation’s network.
The power outage has been affecting residents in several areas, including Claudius, Laudium, Christoburg and the Itereleng line supply, since December 2.
Metro technicians were deployed to the site on December 3 to begin repairs, and investigations revealed that unlawful acts occurred before the fire that damaged the incomer panel breaker.
It was identified as the primary cause of the blackout.
These incidents took place prior to the burning of the incomer panel breaker at the substation.
The vandalised and/ or stolen cables are responsible for carrying electrical current be between the 11kV panel and the transformer. #ClaudiusSubstation— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) December 3, 2024
“The stolen and vandalised cables are critical for carrying electrical current between the 11kV panel and the transformer, further complicating restoration efforts,” the statement read.
The metro projected that power restoration would be completed by the end of the weekend if there were no unforeseen delays.
Moya visited the site this morning to monitor the progress of the repairs.
We visited the Claudius Substation in Laudium earlier this morning to monitor progress to restore power. This substation suffered damage due to a fire that broke out on Sunday. Our electricians have been at work to ensure that power is restored by Sunday. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/jDnNaiYWfy
— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) December 4, 2024
She expressed concern over the ongoing issues affecting the substation.
“We were here a week ago on a different matter, but all these issues affecting this substation, including the old infrastructure, the lack of repairs and maintenance, and theft and vandalism, are finally catching up on us.”
Moya said it was unfortunate that residents have had to be without electricity for so many days.
She assured the residents that efforts were currently being made to restore power.
“We have monitored the progress; the transformer is ready and has been tested positive.”
She said the bars inside the panels were clean and ready for the work.
“Our teams have been on site since yesterday; however, we are also asking the teams not to rush so that the work can be done properly.
“The technicians have informed us that the power will be back before Sunday, so we are asking for residents to remain patient.”
She added that the city was currently working on addressing the issue of security at the substation.
The mayor also addressed security concerns at the substation, emphasising the need for improved measures to prevent future incidents.
“This is a huge issue, and if we do not make efforts to secure this substation, we will be back where we started,” she warned.
Moya added that some community members have reached out for partnerships, particularly regarding security.
She said they were also setting up other meetings with businesses, as this has impacted them a lot.
Residents were urged to remain patient as the city worked diligently to restore power and enhance security at Claudius Substation.
“By the time we are done with this project, we will have a sustainable solution, so that we don’t have a situation where residents go without electricity for such a long period of time.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
