Tshwane is yet unable to provide the estimated time for when Pretoria East ratepayers experiencing a power outage will have power restored to their dwellings after a massive fire engulfed the Mooikloof substation on the evening of April 17.
The power outage also triggered a trip at Nyala station, which resulted in Mooikloof, Wapardrand, parts of Moreleta Park, surrounding farms, Pretoria hospital, Woodhill and Plastic View without power, according to Tshwane.
Good morning, please supply us with a reference number so we can follow up.
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) April 17, 2024
@tshwane_mayor you should negotiate Mooikloof substation to be removed from load shedding permanently like Wapadrand it’s becoming ridiculous now that your council can’t run it effectively don’t forget your biggest chunk come from the rate payers under these substations! https://t.co/QSVgrxg7oh
— BB (@Beachdays3) July 23, 2023
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said: “An aerial view of the Mooikloof substation that caught fire last night [indicates that] a transformer burnt down.”
According to Tshwane MMC for utilities Themba Fosi, the metro was yet to evaluate the extent of the damage.
“We are expecting a team to give us an assessment so we can give the estimated time for repairs (ETR) and extent of damage so our residents’ power can be speedily restored.”
#PowerOutage: PTA East Mooikloof substation has caught fire. Which has triggered a trip at Nyala in-feed station.
This has affected Mooikloof and Wapardrand supply areas.
Our team is investigating, a detailed update will follow pic.twitter.com/JoD8Qgg36f
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) April 18, 2024
According to the ward councillor for ward 101, Malcolm De Klerk, the repairs were due to begin on Thursday morning..
De Klerk said the fire had started around 23:00 and emergency services put it out at 00:52.
He said one person was treated on the scene but did not say what for.
“I did see the emergency services treating somebody on the scene,” said De Klerk.
He confirmed that the fire destroyed a 132 kv transformer.
“Several panels within Mooikloof substation were affected.”
He said the fire also affected Wapadrand 132kv overhead lines, but the power is back in Wapadrand.
De Klerk said they couldn’t say how much work is needed as repairs have not yet started.
WATCH:
Emergency services deputy chief Charles Mabaso said the Tshwane emergency services (EMS) was notified of the incident around 23:24 .
“Firefighters arrived on the scene to find parts of the substation on fire. They immediately commenced with fire exposure protection of the unburned side and the firefighting.
“The fire was brought under control and extinguished around 00:50. They continued with cooling down operations until 01:46.
According to electricians on site, the switch gear room suffered extensive damage.”
Mabaso said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined.
He also confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Mooikloof substation every 3 months https://t.co/PaXRkAT8zL
— Michael (@mickeydedrinker) April 18, 2024
It’s always the Mooikloof Substation
— samir irkov (@skitziebutter) April 18, 2024
This fire is one of several that have left hundreds of households without power.
Previously, repair work to restore supply took about nine days after Moreleta Park, Pretorius Park, Mooikloof, Olympus, Woodlands and part of Garsfontein were left in the dark
Timeline of recent fires:
In 2021 – A fire broke out, burning down key equipment leading to a power outage in several suburbs east of Pretoria.
City manages to restore power to 1 500 households affected by #MooikloofSubstation fire, however rains are causing some delays in substation rebuild
The @tshwane_mayor, held an on-site meeting
this morning with staff & councillors to monitor the progress at Mooikloof Substation.— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) December 6, 2021
In 2017 – Mooikloof substation caught fire on May 23.
Why did the Mooikloof substation catch fire ?????
Can you tell us please!? ⁉️
???? ???? ???? https://t.co/YwiaghtJF4— Dr Loot Gous (@lootgous) December 12, 2021
Also Read: Mooikloof substation to receive attention after ratepayers threaten legal action
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