Large parts of Kempton Park were recently left without power due to an outdated oil-based power network that is neither upgraded nor maintained.
The widespread power outage started on 22 April at the Glen Marais substation after a trip coil on the electrical breaker burned out. As a result, five other substations connected to the ring network were rendered inoperative.
The Ekurhuleni Metro’s electricity division failed to promptly isolate and repair the issue at the Glen Marais substation.
The Glen Marais, Main Supply, Van Riebeeck, Cargo, Aston Manor and Spartan substations were all affected by this.
These substations still operate using outdated oil-based technology.
Power has since been restored to certain areas, but some neighbourhoods are still impacted by the outage.
If the Ekurhuleni Metro does not upgrade its outdated oil-technology substations, a complete power collapse may be on the cards.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) will keep putting pressure on the Metro to prioritise upgrading its power infrastructure.
Kempton Park residents are frequently left in the dark and deserve better.
Making excuses is not good enough – decisive action is needed.
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