One of the downed pylons.
- Seven power line structures were damaged in the Western Cape last weekend.
- The damage caused widespread power outages in parts of the state.
- The power outage occurred when heatwave conditions were predicted.
The provincial government is carrying out relief operations to several towns in the Western Cape affected by power outages following the weekend's bad weather.
Thunderstorms over the weekend caused multiple power line failures in Eskom, resulting in the collapse of seven power line structures. Ground staff are currently assessing the damage.
Eskom announced on Sunday that it was experiencing a significant network outage. Strong winds and heavy rain damaged his 132kV power line in Reinsberg/Tauslivier, affecting several towns in the Western Cape.
“This could lead to prolonged power outages and delays in recovery efforts,” Eskom said.
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MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredel said the provincial disaster management center had been meeting with stakeholders since Saturday evening to plan and coordinate assistance to areas without power. .
He said:
It is unclear how long it will take to restore power lines, so we must plan for the next few days to support critical functions such as water, sewage, hospitals and schools in the affected areas.
Mr Bledel added that heatwave conditions are expected in the Midlands and Kleinkaroo regions this week, with the possibility of further isolated thunderstorms.
“Power outages become even more complex because cold chains and water supplies become even more important in these situations,” he said.
In the Central Karoo, Leeu Gamka, Marweville, Laingsburg, Sutherland and Prince Albert are affected. Significant parts of surrounding rural areas will also be affected, including the towns of Ladysmith on the Garden Route and Napier in the Overberg, as well as areas from Ulvengut to Purley Beach.
“Support will come in the form of trucked water, bottled water, generators for wells that provide drinking water, or generators for sewage systems.As soon as information becomes available, we will will be in direct contact with affected communities,” Bledel said.
