UPDATE: Residents left in the dark after transformer burnt down

Kwa-Thema – The Nkabinde substation, which transmits energy to the whole of Kwa-Thema, went up in flames in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The transformer had been having problems since Sunday when the power tripped an hour before the scheduled load-shedding time in Ext 2 and 3.

Residents then had up to five hours without electricity.

On Tuesday morning, community members in White City took to the streets demanding re-connection blockading Majola Street.

The community of White City and a few surrounding areas had been without power since Sunday.

Community member Maria Skosana said they were told that there was a cable fault and that repairs were underway.

"Our groceries are rotting in the fridge, we can't even prepare formula for our babies. This is not on.

"Yesterday was even a cold day and we didn't get clear answers from the ward councillors," said an angry Skosana.

Also on Tuesday, residents of Ext 2, 3 and Section D had no power for 12 hours. Ward 77 Clr Thulane Dunjane credited this to a cable fault at the station.

On Thursday morning, Ward 79 Clr Njabulo Mbonani said the transformer, which burnt, covers the whole of Kwa-Thema.

"I am at the station and technicians are trying to see where the fault might be.

" At the moment, the estimated restoration time is two to three weeks," said Mbonani.

He said the MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Leshaka Manamela is said to be on his way to the substation.

In February, Kwa-Thema residents faced a similar situation when they had load-reduction due to the faulty transformers.

This led to protests which saw an angry mob torching the CCC security guard room.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the substation building and switchgear panels have been damaged and the fire was extinguished by the city's Disaster and Emergency Services officials.

ALSO READ: WATCH: No electricity leads to protests

"No fatalities or injuries were reported, and residents staying nearby have been moved to a safe area to avoid smoke inhalation.

"The city is busy assessing the substation to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage caused," he added.

Dlamini added that once the extent of the damage has been established and the work that must go into restoring the facility and the power; they city will be able to communicate the restoration time.

However, the municipality will inform residents of every step via social media platforms.

At the time of publication, the following areas were without power due to the incident:

• Tornado• Phumolo• Deep level• Overline• Highlands• Hostels• Civic Centre• Rest in Peace• Mthembu Village• Vergenoeg• Masimini• Interland Extensions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6• White City