Residents, businesses and community members in Panorama, Weltevreden Park, Allen’s Nek and surrounding areas have signed a petition calling for the urgent replacement and modernisation of the Panorama Switching Station.

This follows concerns raised by Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe regarding the condition and reliability of the electricity infrastructure. The petition was launched by Shawe and is addressed to City Power Johannesburg and the City of Johannesburg.

Councillor requests urgent attention be give to switching station issues

Shawe said the situation requires urgent attention because of the state of the infrastructure serving the area.

“This is not a routine maintenance issue. It reflects a serious risk to the electricity supply that affects households, businesses and essential services across the community,” he said.

The petition states that the Panorama Switching Station is a key electricity distribution facility supplying parts of the greater Roodepoort area. It further states that the infrastructure is ageing and that repairs are no longer considered a sustainable long-term solution.

Also read: Prolonged power outages hit Ward 89 residents

Infrastructure challenges outlined

According to the document, infrastructure challenges – including non-operational breakers, reduced capacity and increased reliance on back-feeding from surrounding networks – are compromising the electricity supply.

It also references two flashover or fire-related incidents reported at the station within the past six months, which residents say have heightened concerns about safety and the possibility of large-scale outages affecting households, businesses, schools, traffic systems and essential services.

The petition warns that, should a major failure occur, a wide area could be left without electricity for an extended period.

Also read: No end in sight for Northside power outages

Among its demands are the full replacement and modernisation of the switching station, the publication of a clear implementation plan and timeline, immediate risk-mitigation measures, improved communication with affected communities, and confirmation of funding and the responsible implementation authorities.

Shawe said the aim is to raise awareness around the condition of critical infrastructure and prompt proactive intervention from the relevant authorities.

The petition has been circulated among affected communities, with organisers continuing to gather support ahead of its submission to City Power. Residents who would like more information about the petition can contact Shawe on 083 445 2067.

City Power responds to petition

Responding to the petition, Isaac Mangena said the Panorama Switching Station is currently assessed to be in fair operational condition. However, he noted that its performance is constrained by ageing infrastructure and the condition of key switching and protection components. He added that a more comprehensive response from the entity would be published separately.