Fire at Zola substation disrupts power supply

Wednesday morning, the Zola substation caught fire disrupting power supply and leaving hundreds of Soweto residents in the dark.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Eskom has announced that the fire has affected several areas including Zola, Dobsonville, Emdeni, Jabulani, Moletsane, Mofolo North, Zondi.

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The utility company further stated that they are working with the fire department to extinguish the fire so that their technicians can conduct an investigation and assess the extent of the damage.

The estimated time of restoration is not available at this time.

Johannesburg Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Media and liaison officer, Xolile Khumalo said, ‘’The call was reported to EMS at 9:00 this morning and fire fighters rushed to the incident scene.

“For now they have been able to contain the fire, we are focusing on extinguishing the hotspot which are the small areas that are still on smoke.

“After that we will then send in our fire inspectors to inspect the scene but for now there is no imminent danger.’’

Urban News spoke to some of the affected residents who were also at the scene during the time of the fire.

Andile Mkhize a resident of Emdeni said they are severely affected by this issue, especially now that it’s winter season.

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‘’Now that winter has arrived and our kids must go to school, we are financially unprepared and were caught off guard by this situation.

“I am hoping Eskom will work to resolve the problem as soon as possible, at least this issue must take a week.”

Small business owner from Zola North, Mthembiseni Khanyeza said this issue of not having electricity will really affect his business.

‘’My business has to be put on hold because I sell food and cannot keep stock meat because my fridge won’t work without electricity.

“I hope Eskom works quickly and diligently to provide electricity to our community because some of us rely on these small businesses to provide for our families,’’ said Khanyeza.