The IA Substation, which has been identified as the source of power outages in Soshanguve because of its ageing infrastructure, is undergoing an upgrade.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Media
The 54-year-old IA Substation in Soshanguve township in the City of Tshwane has reached the end of its lifespan and has been identified as the cause of frequent power outages.
MMC for Utility Services, Frans Boshielo, said the City resolved to upgrade it in response to widespread complaints from Soshanguve residents, who have been plagued by persistent power outages.
Boshielo's remarks came amid allegations that municipal electricity workers were taken hostage by frustrated residents of Soshanguve Block BB on Saturday, following a prolonged power outage that caused a service delivery protest in the area.
Earlier this week, ward 94 councillor Elishia Mlotshwa said the alleged hostage incident has fueled long-standing suspicions among residents, who believe that municipal electricians intentionally damage cables to generate overtime work and increase their earnings.
Municipal spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said: “The city pleads with the councillor to relay a formal complaint which is backed by tangible evidence of the allegation. This will really assist the city to take strong action against those workers. In addition, the deliberate destruction of infrastructure is unlawful therefore legal proceedings will have to be initiated.”
He explained that Soshanguve has been plagued by a persistent power crisis, marked by recurring electricity outages.
He said the electricians were taken hostage at the site from 1.58pm until they were rescued at 3pm on Saturday, suffering psychological trauma, but they escaped unharmed.
Boshielo said the refurbishment of the IA substation is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025, ahead of the original April deadline.
“Efforts to upgrade IA Substation began at the end of 2024 as a medium-term measure to address persistent power outages experienced by residents in Soshanguve and Winterveld,” he said.
As part of the refurbishment, the IA substation will undergo the replacement of faulty switchgears, which have been causing repeated tripping and resulting in more extensive power outages than necessary.
Boshielo said: “The substation had over the years battled to carry the growing electricity demand, necessitating the need for scheduled load reduction to be implemented in the area to preserve the system’s stability.”
He said the new switchgears will enable the electrical system to pinpoint and isolate outages to specific areas, minimizing the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
The upgrade of the IA substation is expected to bring improved power reliability to several areas, including Block BB, DD, JJ, FF, GG, and Tswaing, as well as Block NN and parts of Winterveld.
“The long-term energy plan for the area remains the completion of refurbishments to the JJ Substation. The service delivery objective of ensuring reliable electricity supply to residents forms part of the multi-party government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure development,” he said.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za