The embattled Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) has finally bought a 20MVA transformer to replace the one that caught alight in May.
The local authority said it purchased the transformer from Eskom in Mpumalanga province. The cash strapped municipality, however, did not divulge the price or whether the transformer was paid in full.
“The Western substation was destroyed by fire on May 6. Installation began immediately and is scheduled to take three weeks to complete,” the Municipality said.
The municipality added that the service provider on site will also install cables.
EMLM said the substation will be “reconditioned” after a number of theft and vandalism cases had occurred.
“To avoid further break-ins and sabotage, the municipality has deployed a security company to guard the site from intruders and a new fence will soon be installed,” the entity said.