An afternoon storm caused a power outage in parts of Mbombela. Lightning struck an outdoor breaker at the Delta Substation yesterday at 14:00. The breaker was totally damaged and had to be replaced.
Heavy downpour and thunder made it difficult for the Energy Department team to swiftly fix the breaker, as the residents in Valencia, Steiltes, Nelsville and KaMagugu were left without power.
ALSO READ: Man drowns while swimming at Lisbon Falls
According to the City of Mbombela’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, the repairwork lasted until after midnight, and the affected areas were switched on again this morning at 02:45.
The outdoor breaker had to be removed using a crane truck and had to be replaced with another one. Ngala added that the rainy weather conditions added to the challenges the team faced.
“We are grateful for the team that had to fix the breaker in harsh conditions for long hours. Long-term solutions are being sought and will be budgeted for to improve the substation facilities,” he said.
