Blackout in Waverley lasts more than a week due to cable theft

Power Outage in Waverly and Surrounding Areas Due to Theft and Vandalism

Residents of Waverly and nearby areas have been facing a week-long power outage following incidents of theft and vandalism at Koedoespoort Substation.

– **Theft Incident:** The theft occurred beneath the N1 highway on October 3, resulting in a loss of electricity for Waverly residents and parts of Region 3.
– **Complex Repairs:** The Tshwane metro reported that the stolen cables are situated in a confined space, requiring specialized machinery for underground drilling to access joint points.
– **Repair Delays:** Originally scheduled for completion by Monday (October 7), repairs have been prolonged due to the intricate nature of the work. The metro cannot provide an estimated restoration timeline.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo stated, “The regional maintenance team was promptly informed and damage assessment and repair plans were initiated on the same day. However, delays occurred in authorizing the service provider, resulting in a shift of commitment to another area.”

– **Cable Replacement:** Over 70 meters of stolen cables have been replaced, with ongoing testing to ensure functionality.
– **Restoration Hinges on Testing:** The speed of restoration depends on successful test results to prevent further network damage from fault currents.
– **Community Concerns:** Ward councillor Adriana Randall expressed disappointment in the metro’s response time, citing a lack of urgency in addressing the outage.

Randall, along with fellow councillors Leanne de Jager and Frans Smith, has been actively present at the scene, offering support and refreshments to the repair team.

– **Collaborative Efforts:** AG Drilling contributed machinery to facilitate the cable replacement process, emphasizing the need for a unified approach involving various stakeholders to secure the area.
– **Long-Term Implications:** Candidate for Ward 84, Anru Meyer, highlighted the adverse effects of cable theft on daily life and the local economy, stressing the importance of stricter penalties and enhanced surveillance to combat criminal activities.

Meyer emphasized the need for cohesive actions by law enforcement, municipal bodies, and community members to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the well-being of residents.

For more information or to share additional details about the incident, please contact [email protected] or call 083 625 4114.

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Source: The Citizen