/ 27 May 2005

Gas supply dries up for Jo’burg residents

Many Johannesburg residents could be left without gas for three weeks due to technical problems at the Sasolburg plant, Sasol said on Friday.

”We regret the interruption of supply and inconvenience to Egoli Gas and their customers, and are doing everything possible to remedy the situation as soon as possible,” said Sasol Gas MD Hans Naude.

Affected areas are Berea, Yeoville, Hillbrow, Parktown, Houghton, Kenilworth, Rosettenville, Turffontein, Steeldale and Electron. Customers affected will be those of Egoli Gas who have not yet converted to Sasol’s supply of natural gas from Mozambique.

Sasol stopped supplying gas to the Egoli Gas storage facility at Cottesloe, near Melville, on Wednesday after ensuring the facility was full.

”This should provide supplies to customers until May 29,” said Naude. ”We appeal to all gas users affected to put safety first during the interruption period.”

Meanwhile, Quintus Joubert, MD of Egoli Gas, said his company is in the process of taking action to mitigate the effect of the interruption, and all affected customers will be informed of what is expected of them.

Customers are urged to follow the following safely guidelines:

  • Shut down the main gas-supply valve to premises or household appliances as soon as it becomes evident that gas supply is running out.
  • Sasol adds a small amount of sulphur as a stench agent and as a safety precaution so that unburned gas can be smelled. Immediately ventilate the area.
  • In the event of smelling gas, make sure there are no flames in the vicinity. Do not light or smoke cigarettes or use cellphones.
  • Do not enter closed or confined areas when the smell of gas is evident.

For more information, customers can phone Egoli Gas at Tel: (011) 726 3138 or (011) 726 1610. — Sapa