Motorists are advised to expect a temporary road closure on the R59 between Swartkoppies and the Kliprivier off-ramp in Alberton.
According to Area Officer Security Operation at Eskom Prince Makgwale, Eskom has an 88kv line that feeds Rand Water, this line is reported to be in critical safety concerning the state.
“One of the three-phase conductors has unwinded, which compromised the strength of the conductor and currently is only holding with two strands. This means the live conductor is at high risk of falling on the road, posing a risk to the vehicle and the community,” he said.
Risks:
- Safety clearance has been compromised for high loads passing at that point.
- Traffic can be disturbed for long hours while waiting for Eskom to be dispatched.
- Electrocution to any person who may encroach the clearance.
- Loss of supply to Rand Water.
- GMR2.1 License being revoked due to failure to ensure safety to the public.
- Eskom power delivery license at risk due to failure to ensure safe delivery of electricity.
Makgwale said they will need to repair the line before it breaks. For the repairs, they require more or less an hour of no traffic flow, which will be sufficient for them to do the necessary repair on the affected one phase on the line.
Eskom has since requested EMPD intervention to coordinate traffic movements on July 18 from 08:30, to safely execute this operation.
