 A notice from Alderman Brian Watkyns:
At about 1am on Sunday the reinforcing rings on one cooling tower at the Athlone Power Station collapsed, causing Council to take the decision to demolish both towers by implosion. Council initially took the precaution of closing the N2. I was on site with structural engineers and officials by 9am and a visual assessment showed that the collapse of the rings had not compromised the structure and there was no immediate danger of the tower collapsing. However engineers indicated that the strong north wind experienced in the winter months sets up a vortex between the two towers which could cause the tower to become unstable and recommended the demolition as soon as possible.
In the early 90s at least one cooling tower in the UK which had a similar design to the two at Athlone collapsed. As a result , precautionary measures were taken by erecting reinforcing rings on both Athlone towers.
The Power Station was commissioned in 1961 and was taken out of service for 10 years from 1985, costing the City about R217milion keeping it ready for some future use. In 1995 it started operating again but was used only in the peak usage periods. Council spent R30 million from 1995 to 1997 to remove the asbestos, install bag filters to reduce pollution and various other upgrades. In 1996 the National Electricity Regulator questioned the profitability of the its operation and in January 1998 a report was submitted to Council, recommending the decommissioning of the power station. Finally in 2002 Council decided to decommission the power station.
This was greeted with much relief by the residents of Langa, Pinelands and Athlone who had to endure excessive pollution from the Power station during its operating life span.
Since then there has been much debate over the future use of the site and in particular the future of the towers with residents in the City being divided over the what should happen to them. While the public debate over the future of the site continues, the future of the towers is now sealed making way for the 8 hectares they occupy to be developed as part of the overall future design.
Alderman Brian WatkynsWard 53
Feb 2010
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Does anyone know if the Epping choo choo still runs on a Sunday?
The phototour that I did with John Spence last Friday was a fun, learning experience in digital photography. The tour encompassed the waterfront (stunning water reflections), the beautifully developed bo-kaap, and the leafy green company's garden at the top of Adderley Street. The group were beginners keen to make the most of their digital cameras. It was a bonus to learn all the clever "how and when" tips. All the best John with "phototours" - may you be an inspiration to many, as you were for me!
Busy, but friendly squirrels, one an albino, going about their business in the Garden in Cape Town..