CITY OF TSHWANE HAS SPENT OVER R51 MILLION ON BURNT AND VANDALISED ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS

One of the many electricity substations that got burnt in the City of Tshwane photo supplied

The City of Tshwane Municipality has spent over R51 million to repair burnt and vandalised electricity substations in the last two financial years.

These criminals incidents of burnt and vandalised electricity substations have led to prolonged power outages in various parts of the City of Tshwane; much to the frustration of hapless residents

Tshwane Talks engaged the City of Tshwane in a question and answer session to find out more about these incidents.

The City of Tshwane would like to comment as follows:

Q.How much has the City of Tshwane spent regarding repairs to burnt and vandalised electricity substations in the financial year that ended in 2024 as well as in the financial year that ended in 2025 please?

A.Total budget spent: R51 725 851.

Q.How many substations have been burnt or vandalised in the said financial years?

A.For 2024 break-ins for cable theft is 26 times, some substations break-ins happened more than once, and substations that had fire in 2024 are five (5). 2025 break-ins substations for cable theft and vandalism are eight(8) and fire in four(4) substations.

Q.Does the City have any plans to curb the said incidents of vandalism and arson at the said substations? Please explain.

A.The city deployed physical security guards under the supervision of TMPD, and there is a continuous engagement with private security guards and businesses to assist the city in protecting the electricity substations. Businesses have installed CCTV cameras and provided an armed reaction in some of the substations. The city is building a resilient concreate perimeter fencing that is anti-climbed in two substations already.