KwaThema substation gutted by fire. Image via twitter @City_Ekurhuleni
KwaThema residents left without electricity and water
The charred transformer has left KwaThema residents without power and water while the city investigates the origin of the incident.
KwaThema substation gutted by fire. Image via twitter @City_Ekurhuleni
The fire that destroyed the Nkabinde substation on Thursday morning has left KwaThema people without power and without water.
The substation delivers power to the entire KwaThema district of the City of Ekurhuleni and has been experiencing issues since Sunday, when the power tripped an hour before the planned load-shedding time in Ext 2 and 3, according to the African Reporter.
HOW THE FIRE LED TO A WATER CRISIS?
According to the City of Ekurhuleni, the fire at the substation has also affected the booster pump at the KwaThema reservoir, resulting in low water pressure in the area.
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WHAT THE AUTHORITIES SAY ABOUT THE KWATHEMA SITUATION
The city’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said:
“The city is busy assessing the substation to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of damage caused. Once we have established the extent of the damage and the work that must go into restoring the facility and the power, we will be able to communicate the restoration time.”
He added that disaster and emergency services officers had tried their best to combat the fire since the early hours of that morning.
According to Dlamini, no fatalities or injuries have been reported, and neighbors living close have been relocated to a safe area to avoid smoke inhalation,” he said.
TECHNICIANS ARE WORKING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION
Cllr Sivuyile Ngodwana, Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, appeals to the KwaThema community to allow technicians to work so that power, which also impacts water supply, can be restored as soon as possible.
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VARIOUS COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED
Affected areas include Tornado, Phumolo, Deep level, Overline, Highlands, Hostels, Civic Centre, Rest in Peace, Mthembu Village, Vergenoeg, Masimini and Interland Extensions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
