By Doreen Mokgolo
Kwa-Thema residents are looking forward to a warm winter as their vandalised electricity transformer is finally back from repairs.
The transformer caught fire on 8 May last year after being vandalised by cable thieves.
Residents were left in the dark for over a month before they were finally reconnected through the Vulcania substation in Brakpan.
The transformer was taken in for repairs, but was not prioritised due to political instability in the metro.
Speaking during the delivery of the transformer at Nkabinde Substation, Ekurhuleni ANC mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the damage was assessed at R70-million, but the insurance covered the repairs, which cost R7-million.
One of the promises Xhakaza made when he took office last month was the delivery of the transformer to accelerate service delivery.
“We hope to have the transformer fully commissioned and ready to be switched on by 15 May,” he said.
“Residents must protect the asset against vandalism and izinyoka, and as we consume power, we must be careful of unnecessary overloading the grid.”
Xhakaza said the transformer’s delivery took longer than it should have because the previous administration did not prioritise service delivery.
“If there is no prioritisation, if there is no leadership, there will be delays in the provision of service delivery.
“The teams are there now, and all that is needed is constant leadership that is present and able to give the necessary direction,” he said.
Sonto Mkhwanazi, a Kwa-Thema resident, is relieved to see that work has started at the substation.
“As we enter the winter season, I was concerned that we would experience power cuts as we are still connected to the Vulcania substation.
“Last year, we experienced chronic power cuts due to the increased pressure on the grid, but now that the transformer is back, we are hoping for a better winter than last year,” she said.
Pictured above: Mayor of Ekurhuleni Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
