A dispute over the condition of a City Power substation in Orange Grove has drawn attention to broader concerns around infrastructure maintenance and municipal service delivery in residential areas.
Resident Daniel Chetty says the substation, located next to his property, has been neglected for more than three years, with overgrown vegetation, broken gates, and a lack of routine maintenance affecting his home and quality of life.
According to Chetty, weeds and trees have grown into his yard, over the boundary walls, and into his swimming pool, while the dense growth has allegedly allowed rats and snails to enter the property.
Read more: City Power responds to Orange Grove substation concerns
Chetty says he has repeatedly reported the issue to City Power. Most recently his logged call was marked as closed despite no officials attending the site, or any work being carried out. On some occasions, contractors reportedly arrived, but were unable to proceed due to access issues linked to damaged gates and specialised locks.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Chetty says he has been forced to personally maintain parts of the area surrounding the substation, despite it falling under City Power’s responsibility. He has called for the matter to be escalated to senior management, and for clearer accountability when service requests remain unresolved.
In response, City Power has rejected claims that the substation was neglected. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said substations are inspected annually as part of the utility’s maintenance programme, with major maintenance conducted every five years.
Mangena said the increase in vegetation around the Orange Grove substation was largely due to recent ongoing rainfall.
“The site was assessed on January 25, with follow-up vegetation maintenance initiated on January 27.” He added that vegetation management is carried out as required and, where necessary, in co-ordination with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
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Addressing concerns about access and contractors, Mangena said City Power’s internal teams carry out the majority of maintenance and fault-response work, with contractors used only in limited cases.
He said access-related challenges, including damaged gates or specialised locks, are assessed on a case-by-case basis. City Power also acknowledged that overgrown vegetation and unsecured infrastructure pose safety and security risks to residents and electricity supply.
On reports of pest infestations linked to the substation, City Power said there was no evidence at this stage directly connecting snakes or snails to the site. He also noted that factors on private property fall outside its control.
Mangena confirmed, on January 26, that vegetation clearing has been completed and that a team has been assigned to secure the substation.
Mangena added that the initial service request had been logged under an incorrect category, but a new work order was generated once this was identified. Residents are encouraged to escalate unresolved matters through City Power’s toll-free call centre on 0800 003 156.
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