Telkom explosion cause confirmed

Gas confirmed as cause of Yeoville explosion as Telkom expedites service restoration

An independent forensic investigation into the cause of the explosion that caused severe damage to the Telkom exchange building in Yeoville, Johannesburg, commenced on Saturday, 30 January 2010. The investigation has now confirmed that last Wednesday’s blast was gas-related.

Further investigations are, however, being conducted to determine the origins of the gas.

“Although, various critical services, through traffic and affected mobile links have been restored, Telkom is currently assessing various alternatives in order to expedite service restoration to customers who remain affected by the incident,” said Bashier Sallie, Telkom’s Senior Managing Executive for Networks.

These include placing a containerised exchange diagonally across the road from the existing exchange building, to cut over the critical mass of services. Permission has already been obtained from the government and authorities at local government level to proceed with the placement of the container on the open piece of land.

“Telkom’s engineering teams are close to concluding their planning for this exercise,” stated Sallie.

Also under consideration is the option of providing services via an adjacent exchange. Multiple data and voice services have already been restored via wireless, radio and satellite technologies. 

“As solutions may need to be tailored with regard to individual customers or customer segments, a combination of these alternatives will, in all likelihood, be applied to restore service. Restoration timelines will depend on the ultimate solution(s) to be deployed and will be communicated to the specific customers that will be affected or serviced by the various options,” explained Sallie.

He added that service restoration has been delayed because the building which houses the Telkom exchange, has been declared unsafe by the Department of Labour. As a result, the building is excluded from the service restoral options being investigated. 

“Telkom has been served with a prohibition notice from the Department of Labour (in accordance with relevant legal requirements) and, therefore, cannot enter the building. Nonetheless, fast-tracking service restoration by exploring the afore-mentioned options remains Telkom’s highest priority,” emphasised Sallie.

Telkom has prioritised service restoration to all essential and emergency services, such as the South African Police Services and medical facilities. In addition, connectivity of telephone numbers to businesses and payphones are being prioritised.

“We are also in the process of fast tracking and configuring the set-up of voicemail facilities for all existing voice customers, where possible. The voice mailbox can be accessed from any fixed or mobile telephone,” said Sallie.

He added that in accordance with Telkom’s standard procedures, pro rata rental credits for service interruptions that last longer than 24 hours will be automatically passed on to all affected customers.

Meanwhile, the condition of two people in last Wednesday’s incident continues to improve. The security official has already been discharged from hospital while Telkom’s employee, a technician working at Yeoville, continues to receive medical care as he recovers at a Johannesburg hospital.

“This was an extremely traumatic experience for the employees. Counselling services have been availed to the injured and his family. We will endeavour to support our colleague in whatever way possible in order to aid his recovery,” concluded Sallie.

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