The investigation, which started Saturday, 30 January 2010, is ongoing- 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”, explained Bashier Sallie, Telkom’s Senior Managing Executive for Networks.
Telkom will place a containerized exchange diagonally across the road from the existing exchange building, to cut over the critical mass of services. The company has already received the green light from the government and authorities at local government level to proceed with the placement of the container.
Also, telkom will provide their services via an adjacent exchange, with data and voice services restored via wireless, radio and satellite technologies following the explosion, said Sallie.
Telkom has prioritized 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 prioritized, as well as voicemail facilities.
Service restoration was delayed because of the unsafe condition of the building which houses Telkom exchange. Telkom confirmed that the Department of Labour excluded restoring options for the affected building.
Therefore, pro rata rental credits for service interruptions that last longer than 24 hours will be automatically passed on to all affected customers, complying with Telkom’s standards in this situation.
The Telkom representative also confirmed the improved medical conditions of the two people affected by the explosion. One of them, a Telkom’s employee, is still recovering in hospital, while a security official has already been discharged.
