M1 tunnel fire: New cables are going in

07 May 2024 - 11:11 By TimesLIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Inside the tunnels beneath the M1 highway bridge, where a fire ravaged electricity infrastructure.
Inside the tunnels beneath the M1 highway bridge, where a fire ravaged electricity infrastructure.
Image: City Power

New cables are being laid on Tuesday after teams from the City of Johannesburg completed the removal of damaged electrical infrastructure and concrete under the M1 highway.

City Power said the replacement is anticipated to be completed by the end of Tuesday.

The estimated time of restoration of power supply in suburbs affected by the fire will be provided after the installation.

The destruction of the network that runs through the tunnels follows the fire that resulted from acts of vandalism last week. This caused power supply interruptions in Parktown, Newtown, Braamfontein, the Johannesburg CBD and surrounding areas.

City Power said after assessing the damaged infrastructure at the weekend, the team began removing fragments of cement slab that cracked and peeled off due to the heat of the blaze, along with burnt copper cables and other debris that piled up on the surface of the 1.2km tunnel. 

TimesLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.