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Johannesburg CBD: City Power Confirms 100% Electricity Restoration After Explosion
On 25 July, City Power confirmed that 100% electricity was reinstated in Joburg after the explosion in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) on Bree Street, causing disruptions for five days. According to Isaac Mangena, City Power’s spokesperson, the utility energised at least 100% of the resident load feeding from the Bree substation from 14:20. Mangena listed the areas where City Power had restored power, including Bank City, Pritchard, Loveday West, Jeppe, and West Street, after Emergency Services, Disaster Management, and Labour gave clearance, and gas levels were cleared to 1% on the risk management scale.
Also read: Explosion in Johannesburg CBD Sends 40 Patients to Hospitals
Mangena added that the utility had also restored feeder cables under the collapsed road structure along Bree Street. City of Johannesburg’s manager, Floyd Brink, conducted a walkabout on July 23 for progress made by the different entities on site. “We can report that the JRA is busy with the fencing, our law enforcement also continues to make sure the public does not enter the affected roads by putting a barricade. The technical teams also started digging to establish the cause of the explosion and found two asbestos pipes with cables in them.”
Brinks added that the cables were isolated, and teams tested the pipes for methane. The DA caucus leader, Belinda Echeozonjoku, added that the party welcomed the City of Joburg’s swift action but implored him to take special notice of the following: Joburg Water Tanker Deployment- A detailed deployment plan is needed to avoid a stampede for water and an exact mobile ablution facilities plan is also required. Similarly, a detailed Road Closure Plan is necessary so that residents who use the CBD as a transit point can effectively plan around closures and diversions. The DA City of Johannesburg shadow cabinet has been on the ground. It will continue to monitor and provide oversight to ensure that all residents get the needed services and help.
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Picture: Twitter / CityPowerJhb
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