Eskom forced to rely on Western Cape government to repair electricity outage in Karoo

by | Feb 14, 2024

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Several towns have been without electricity for ten days, after heavy storms took out key pylons in the grid

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A critical breakdown of a drill used in repair efforts for a downed power line in the Karoo region of the Western Cape has stalled restoration efforts, leaving multiple towns without electricity for over a week.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde provided an update, stating that Eskom’s restoration work has been hampered by the breakdown of a rock drill, which is essential for completing drilling work to anchor temporary support poles. The drill malfunctioned due to encountering hard rock formations between Touws River and Laingsburg.

Communities in the Central Karoo, including Roggeveld, Laingsburg, Ladismith, and others, have been grappling with power outages since heavy storms destroyed seven pylons on February 3.

Gift of the Givers is providing aid to areas in the Karoo affected by power outages. They have distributed 5-liter bottles of water to towns such as Laingsburg, Prince Albert, Leeu Gamka, and Merweville, which have been particularly hard hit. The organization is focusing on providing water, as many boreholes in these towns are dependent on electricity. Gift of the Givers is distributing water to major hospitals, clinics, old age homes, and schools in the affected areas. Their efforts are part of broader support for communities facing challenges due to the power outages.

MEC Anton Bredell of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning noted that the provincial government has mobilized equipment and transport contractors to assist with obtaining a drilling rig and an additional excavator. Despite efforts to fix the faulty rock drill, delays in restoration are anticipated.

In addition to the drill breakdown, Eskom crews are facing challenges such as faulty equipment and stage 6 load shedding. The Western Cape government has been providing support to expedite the resolution, including procurement of drilling equipment and logistical assistance.

The increased load shedding has exacerbated the situation, stretching generator availability in the province. Loaned generators are being recalled from Karoo towns to cope with the extended load shedding, prompting calls for optimal allocation of generator capacity.

At least four additional generators are required to power critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert. While Eskom has been working tirelessly to restore electricity to the Karoo, the expected date for complete restoration remains Thursday.

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