JOHANNESBURG - City Power suspects deliberate damage could be behind damaged cables at some of its substations.
While some of the utility’s infrastructure may be ageing, some of the damage found points to possible tampering.
Acting CEO Charles Tlouane explains that while some cable joints may be old and susceptible to damage, most faults would result in a “pop”, which can be repaired and electricity restored.
However, he says the equipment should not catch fire.
“We believe that some of the fires could be as a result of foul play,” he says.
Two weeks ago, the Fordsburg substation caught fire, cutting off electricity to communities in the area.
Tlouane says up to 90 percent of residents had their electricity restored almost immediately.
The remaining 10 percent had their electricity restored after nine days.
On Tuesday, the Central substation, one of 19 substations in the inner city, caught fire, affecting residents and businesses in the area.
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Tlouane says that while investigations are continuing, City Power cannot give an expected completion time.
The area first needs to be cleaned before investigators can assess the damage. Repairs can then begin, followed by the restoration of power.
Tlouane says City Power cannot rule out tampering with the equipment.