Regular power failures in Soshanguve are caused by overloading stemming from illegal connections in the Marikana and Jabulani informal settlements.
This is according to Tshwane MMC for Utilities and Regional Operation and Coordination, Themba Fosi, who addressed concerns regarding the frequent failures experienced on the two 11 kV overhead lines from the IA 33/11 kV substation to Tswaing Crater.
“These failures have been primarily attributed to overloading caused by illegal connections in the Marikana and Jabulani informal settlements, leading to significant disruptions in power supply to the areas of Soshanguve up to Winterveld,” he said.
Fosi said the overloading issue was worsened by a dysfunctional protection scheme, particularly with the breaker at the IA substation failing to trip as intended.
Consequently, he said, the transformers on the 33 kV network were steered to trip, resulting in widespread power outages affecting some areas. “Our team conducted a thorough assessment of the damage and found the lines to be burnt and brittle. This damage necessitates extensive rebuilding efforts from the IA substation up to Block KK in Soutpan road.”
The Municipal team was installing an auto recloser switch as a temporary measure to mitigate future failures.
“Taking material shortages into account, we have decommissioned one of the 11 kV lines in Block W and Akasia to utilise for spare parts to reconstruct the overhead lines.”
While the measures would assist in restoring power, Fosi cautioned that they didn’t directly solve the underlying issues of illegal connections and malfunctioning breakers.
Pretoria News