The City of Tshwane, South Africa, has announced a planned nine-hour power outage on , impacting several residential and business areas. The disruption is a precautionary measure to allow technicians to address a sinkhole that has developed in close proximity to the Cornwall Hill Substation, raising concerns about the safety of critical electricity infrastructure.
The municipality stated that the shutdown is part of urgent preventative work designed to protect both its personnel and the integrity of the power supply. The situation has deteriorated to a point where continued operation without intervention presents unacceptable risks, according to city officials.
Emergency Assessments Drive Planned Outage
The sinkhole, described as “progressively worsening” by the municipality, prompted emergency geotechnical assessments. These evaluations aim to determine the extent of the risk posed to the substation and to inform the implementation of appropriate mitigation strategies. The city emphasized that the safety of its technicians and the security of the infrastructure are paramount considerations driving the planned interruption.
“In the interest of the safety of the city’s technicians and the infrastructure, power supply will be interrupted for nine hours,” the city said in a statement. The outage is scheduled to run from to on .
Affected Areas and Businesses
Customers supplied by the Cornwall Hill Substation will be affected by the planned power outage. Specifically, the interruption will impact Irene Mall, the Doornkloof plots, Cornwall Hill, Cornwall Hill Estate, Route 21 Business Park, Rietvlei Ridge, and Rietvlei Heights. The city has urged all affected customers, particularly businesses reliant on a consistent electricity supply, to prepare for the disruption.
The timing of the outage, a full day, suggests a significant operational challenge for businesses in the affected areas. While the city has not quantified the potential economic impact, a nine-hour interruption during business hours will inevitably lead to lost productivity, potential spoilage of perishable goods, and disruptions to supply chains. Businesses may need to activate contingency plans, including backup generators or temporary relocation of operations, to minimize the impact.
Residents have also been reminded to exercise caution during the outage period. The city warned customers to treat all electricity supply points as live at all times, a standard safety precaution during planned or unplanned power interruptions.
Apology for Inconvenience
Acknowledging the inconvenience the outage will cause, the City of Tshwane stated that the work is unavoidable given the potential risks associated with the deteriorating sinkhole. “The city apologises profusely for the inconvenience that may arise as a result of the planned interruption,” the city stated. This apology underscores the difficult balancing act municipalities face between maintaining essential services and ensuring public safety.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to unforeseen geological events. Sinkholes, while relatively rare, can pose a significant threat to underground utilities, including power lines, water pipes, and communication cables. The incident in Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, which involved a 40-meter diameter and 3.5-meter deep sinkhole forming in May 2025, demonstrates the potential scale of such disruptions. That earlier incident, located just four blocks from a municipal office and surrounded by schools, churches, a shopping center, and a hospital, caused both water and power outages.
The City of Tshwane has encouraged residents and businesses to stay informed through official communication channels for updates related to the planned work or any potential changes to the outage schedule. Proactive communication is crucial in managing public expectations and minimizing disruption during infrastructure maintenance or emergency repairs. The city’s response, while disruptive, appears to prioritize safety and long-term infrastructure integrity.
The incident also raises broader questions about infrastructure resilience and the need for proactive monitoring and maintenance to prevent similar events in the future. While sinkholes are often unpredictable, regular inspections and geological surveys can help identify potential risks and allow for timely intervention. The long-term costs of addressing infrastructure damage caused by sinkholes can be substantial, making preventative measures a sound investment.
