City Power has outlined plans to stabilise the leaning electricity pylon near the Sjampanje Street bridge following concerns raised by residents.

The pylon has remained tilted since heavy rains in March 2024 undermined one of its foundations. Residents living near the bridge have expressed concern about its condition, saying the structure appears increasingly unstable as construction activity around the site continues.

City Power has confirmed it is aware of the leaning pylon and that the structure is being closely monitored.

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City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said a joint site meeting was held on July 6 to co-ordinate work around the bridge and the damaged infrastructure. Representatives from City Power, Johannesburg Water, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and environmental officials attended the meeting.

“The primary focus was to co-ordinate the repair of the broken sewer pipe and ensure that all necessary stakeholders were aligned before work commenced. Further technical assessments of the structure will form part of the planned intervention,” said Mangena.

Although residents remain concerned about the visibly leaning structure, City Power said its current assessment indicates that it does not pose an immediate danger.

“Based on the current assessment, the pylon does not pose an immediate risk to the public. The overhead power lines continue to provide structural support to the pylon. However, members of the public are urged not to tamper with or approach the structure, as doing so could create a safety risk. City Power will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure public safety,” Mangena said.

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According to Mangena, the bridge reconstruction work taking place near the site has not affected the stability of the pylon.

“At this stage, there is no immediate concern regarding the stability of the pylon. As a precautionary measure, work in the vicinity of the pylon has been temporarily halted to allow for the installation of stability supports. This is being done to ensure the continued safety and integrity of the structure while the surrounding work progresses,” he said.

City Power said the pylon will initially be stabilised using cranes as a temporary measure before permanent concrete support structures are installed once Johannesburg Water has completed repairs to the damaged sewer pipe.

The entity said stabilisation work is expected to begin within the next two weeks, subject to final preparations, and should take about five days to complete.