Pretoria – The City of Tshwane on Tuesday said electricity supplies had been restored in some areas and authorities had called for help from Eskom to deal with the problem that resulted from seven pylons collapsing.
Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler has dispatched an urgent letter to Eskom in which he requested the power utility to assist the municipality with labour, materials, and equipment in a bid to fast-track the restoration of power to areas that are still affected by the massive outage which occurred on Sunday night.
“There was suspected vandalism of the pylons along the N4 east freeway between Solomon Mahlangu and Simon Vermooten roads, which collapsed and severely damaged at least seven powerline structures,” Mettler said.
“The power lines were strewn along the road surface, forcing the closure of the N4 freeway.
“The Citys Energy and Electricity team worked with speed to complete the clearing of the freeway, which was reopened for traffic around 5 pm yesterday.”
Mettler said the Citys team, together with Eskom and service providers, will begin in earnest the geo-technical studies of testing the soil, digging, and clearing the servitude.
He said Eskom will assist in dismantling and removing the damaged pylons and powerlines.
“The design aspects are also being finalised before Eskom brings the new pylons to the site,” Mettler said.
“Tshwane has also submitted the wayleave application to Sanral and Gautrans to enable the technicians to work on the N4 and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, respectively.”
Mettler said electricity supplies to some areas had been restored.
Electricity supplies have been successfully restored in the following areas: Die Hoewes
Equestria
Faerie Glen
Hazeldean
Lombardy Estate
Lombardy Meander
Lyttleton
Mooikloof
Mooiplaats
Moreletapark
Olympus
Paramount Estates
Pretorious Ext 40
Shere
Silver Lakes
Six Fountains
The Wilds
Tygervalley
Willow Acres
Woodlands Boulevard
Zwavelpoort
Areas that are still without electricity include the following:
Baviaanspoort Prison
Boschkop
Bultfontein
Derdepoort (Zambezi Manor)
Donkerhoek
Doornpoort
Eersterust
Equestria
Garsfontein
Glenway Estate
Grootveli East & West
Kameeldrift
Kilner Park
Leeuwfontein
Mamelodi
Montana Park
Moregloed
Pretorious Park
Pumulani
Roodepark
Rooiwal
Sable Hills
Silverton
Sinoville
Vastfontein Ext
Waltloo
Wapadrand
Waterval
Waverley
Woodhill
Woodlands
Zeekoegat
Mettler said the City was prioritising energising the Pumulani Substation, which feeds Mamelodi and other areas that are still without electricity.
“If needs be, we may be forced to implement rotational loading in the areas that are still outstanding,” the City manager said.
“Consumers are advised that some areas that have been restored may experience a possible trip.
“The City is also exploring back-feeding Silverton, Koedoespoort, and Riviera – all the way up to Waltloo.”
However, Mettler said the estimated time for restoration of electricity to the outstanding areas was not yet available.
