A SUBSTATION is a critical infrastructure that requires security measures in place as it supplies electricity to a large community. This is according to Ward 66 committee member for safety, security and health, Gary Vahl, who raised concerns about the condition of the substation near the Brighton Beach police station.

According to Vahl, the substation has remained unsecured for almost two years, with its doors left unlocked.

This has raised concerns about the safety and integrity of this critical infrastructure which supplies power to large parts of The Bluff.

The substation also supplies power to essential police operations and  equipment necessary for daily law enforcement. However, despite its importance, there are no effective security measures in place.

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Vahl said despite the substation’s importance, the facility has no visible locks or security measures in place, allowing anyone to enter without restriction. “The substation supplies power to a significant portion of The Bluff. I reported this issue to the eThekwini Electricity Department in November last year, but there has been no response from City officials,” said Vahl.

He said unauthorised access to the substation could result in power disruptions, equipment failure, or broader operational impacts, particularly if the station were to lose power during an emergency.

He also expressed concern for the safety of children living with their parents in cottages on the police station grounds.

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“What will happen if these children accidentally gain access to the substation? The door frames, locks and doors are rusted. If anything happens at the substation, large parts of The Bluff could be left without electricity, including the police station itself, which would severely affect operations,” he said.

Vahl further raised concerns about poor maintenance at the site, noting that overgrown grass around the substation poses additional risks.

Attempts to get a comment from eThekwini Municipality were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

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