Substation fires in Tshwane spark sabotage fears
With three substations set ablaze, pressure grows for answers on potential sabotage and the absence of critical fire prevention systems.
Image for illustrative purposes
South Africa, Tshwane: A series of substation fires in Tshwane has raised serious concerns about possible sabotage, infrastructure neglect, and missing fire prevention systems. The most recent incident occurred at the Zwartkop substation in Centurion, marking the third major fire in a short span.
Earlier this year, fires at the Waltloo and Brakfontein substations left residents without power for extended periods. Now, city officials are under pressure to explain whether Tshwane’s substations are adequately equipped with surge and fire protection systems.
DA Tshwane caucus leader Cilliers Brink voiced alarm over recurring incidents, stating that substations “are not meant to burn down” due to surges caused by lightning or cable theft. He emphasised that surge protection backed by battery power should shut down substations before damage occurs, with fire suppression as a secondary line of defense.
Brink revealed that following a similar fire at Mooikloof substation last year, he initiated an investigation into the state of surge protection and financial accountability for repair contracts. He suspects deliberate neglect of surge protection to create opportunities for costly reconstruction.
The DA has now demanded answers from Mayor Nasiphi Moya, with councillor Themba Fosi submitting a formal inquiry ahead of the upcoming May council meeting.
The investigation, which began before DA’s administration ended, remains incomplete, raising further concerns about transparency and accountability.
Source: The Citizen
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