SEBOKENG.– Following the burnout beyond repair of the Seboka Substation transformer last week, a new transformer has been sourced.

Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Executive Mayor Hassan Mako said that although Seboka Substation is owned, operated, and managed by Eskom, it however, remains a critical public asset that provides electricity to thousands of residents in the area.

Mako further said that for this reason, the ELM remains committed to doing everything within its capacity to support Eskom in accelerating the restoration of electricity to all affected areas. Some relief has already arrived for local households, as electricity has been successfully restored to parts of Orange Farm and Zones 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 through power diversion measures.

“This has brought much-needed relief to many households while efforts continue to restore power to the remaining,” said Mako.

Mako added that they were also encouraged to learn that Eskom had quickly secured a replacement transformer from another substation.

Moving it from this location significantly reduces the delays that would have come with buying a brand-new unit.

“Transporting a power transformer is a highly specialised operation. These are large, delicate, and extremely heavy pieces of infrastructure that require carefully prepared and levelled access roads to ensure they can be moved safely and without damage.”

A TLB is already on site levelling the road. The mayor’s office highlighted that this quick intervention shows the value of different government entities working together to support residents and remove obstacles as Eskom handles the technical restoration.

“Following a single request for assistance, the mayor immediately mobilised resources. Following the burnout beyond repair of the Seboka Substation transformer last week, a new transformer has been sourced. The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Executive Mayor, Hassan Mako said.

“As we speak, a TLB is already on site, preparing and levelling the road to facilitate the safe transportation of the transformer and support Eskom’s restoration efforts. This decisive intervention demonstrates the importance of co-operation between different spheres of government and state entities in responding to challenges that directly affect our communities. While Eskom leads the technical restoration process, the municipality remains committed to providing every possible form of support to remove obstacles, save time, and help restore electricity to residents as quickly as possible,” Mako’s office concluded.