Lack of maintenance the reason for power outages
The multiple power outages over the last couple of days, left residents of Bela-Bela and surrounding areas frustrated and many complained that they suffered huge losses due to long-lasting disruption in the cold chain of fresh produce and meat. Most of these power outages were over and above the normal schedules for load shedding.
According to Jee-Dee Cloete, Ward Councillor for Freedom Front Plus (FF+), the reason for the latest power outages is because of the lack of maintenance and upkeep of the powerlines. With the strong wind we had during the last thunderstorm, branches of trees that are not regularly pruned fell on the powerlines. This causes a short circuit and will trip the substation. In wet weather, this can lead to extended timeframes where the maintenance team cannot respond to the problem.
“We are aware of the problem and are working on a solution and a maintenance plan,” said Cloete.
On social media platforms, residents extended their gratitude to Vally de Souza, a local contractor, for assisting the maintenance team. He also made his cherry picker truck available, to do maintenance on the powerlines. The municipality’s truck has not been available for several months, due to a breakdown.
The Ward Councillors and the management team of the municipality held a strategic planning meeting on Tuesday, 20 February.
The outcome of the meeting and the way forward to alleviate power outages in certain areas were not available by the time of going to press.
