Weskoppies faces power challenge
A subcontractor accidentally damaged a newly laid cable without reporting it, which caused power supply interruptions.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has come out to assure residents it is working round the clock to remedy the power challenges faced at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital.
Weskoppies is said to have experienced power interruptions since Saturday, February 15.
Departmental spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the department has supplied backup generators for the time being.
“The affected areas include certain wards and units not connected to backup generators,” Modiba said.
He said the interruptions were caused by a work crew doing maintenance at the hospital recently and the damage went unreported.
“A subcontractor replacing tar in the hospital accidentally damaged a newly laid cable without reporting it, leading to the power supply interruptions,” Modiba said.
A contractor appointed by the GDoH on February 17 managed to repair the damaged cable however, the work is not complete yet as wet weather conditions have slowed progress.
The metro’s Emergency Services Department continues to monitor the adverse weather conditions. It is calling on communities to remain alert following a Yellow Level 4 warning issued for February 17 for disruptive rain over most parts of Gauteng, including Tshwane.
The warning was issued by the South African Weather Service and the inclement weather is expected to persist until February 18.
The subcontractor has since been removed from the site.
“To ensure continuity of care, some wards, laundry and food services are operating with five backup generators. Wards not connected to backup generators have been provided with rechargeable lights,” Modiba said.
The department has apologised to the patients and the public for the inconvenience.
MEDIA STATEMENT || WATER AND POWER SUPPLY CHALLENGES AFFECTING KOPANONG AND WESKOPPIES HOSPITALS pic.twitter.com/iR6WbyRCnr
— Tshwane District Health Services (@HealthTshwane) February 17, 2025
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