Generator keeps Wendywood Clinic running
A new generator powers Wendywood Clinic by day, but full restoration of electricity depends on Eskom moving illegal connections and securing critical infrastructure.
The electricity crisis at Wendywood Clinic has eased slightly after payment issues have been resolved, and a large on-site generator has been repaired and switched on this week, Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan confirmed.
“The onsite generator has not been working since yesterday at the clinic. It is being switched on in the morning and turned off at night. Fortunately, there’s a fridge that keeps medicines and vaccinations cold for up to 72 hours without power.”
However, the clinic’s main Eskom power supply remains cut off.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Illegal connection at Wendywood Clinic electricity box. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #fyp #sandtonchronicle #caxtonlocalmedia ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
Coogan said Eskom wants to adequately secure the substation to prevent future tampering, which has involved initiating a new project to fully secure the Eskom infrastructure next to the clinic.
Also read: Wendywood Clinic power crisis nears resolution
Currently, there’s a large cable running from the substation along the ground and up a streetlight pole, across the road, and back down another streetlight pole on the other side of the road, which is then covered in concrete at ground level. Eskom won’t dismantle these supposed illegal connections until they are ready to complete the project of securing their infrastructure,” she said.
Coogan said the project has moved to the connection phase in Eskom’s Land Development Department, but no timeline has been confirmed yet.
Also read: Update on the Wendywood Clinic power
“Full restoration is urgent, as the guards don’t have enough light at night, which makes their work more difficult. We need to ensure the Wendywood Clinic can function as a reliable health resource, as residents are entitled to access to health care services in terms of Section 27 of the Constitution.”
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