Western Cape helps Eskom resolve Karoo power outage

The Western Cape Government (WCG) has intensified its collaboration with Eskom to address the ongoing power outage in the Central Karoo region.

Premier Winde expressed gratitude towards WCG staff and partners. They actively assisted Eskom to expedite the resolution of the Karoo power outage.

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During a recent meeting between Eskom and key government officials, including Premier Alan Winde and Minister Anton Bredell, challenges were highlighted. These challenges included hard rock formations and faulty equipment.

KAROO POWER OUTAGE HAMPERS ESKOM REPAIRS

Eskom reported a breakdown of its rock drill due to a hard rock formation. This hindered progress in repairing power lines in the Karoo.

To mitigate delays, the WCG mobilised resources over the weekend. They reached out to equipment and transport contractors to procure additional drilling rigs and excavators.

Minister Bredell emphasised the importance of avoiding setbacks and pledged full support to Eskom in procurement and logistics.

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“The faulty rockdrill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Minister Bredell said.

The escalation of load shedding to level 6 has exacerbated the situation for Karoo towns, stretching generator availability to its limit.

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GENERATORS AID KAROO AMID CRISIS

Premier Winde noted the allocation of generators from a previous WCG initiative aimed at securing safe drinking water, highlighting the unexpected necessity of such interventions in current circumstances.

“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt. I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Premier Winde.

Furthermore, the Western Cape Department of Social Development provides food relief to indigent households. It also assists old age facilities in accessing diesel for generators.

Minister Fernandez commended the tireless efforts of DSD staff and stakeholders. They provide assistance to vulnerable residents affected by the prolonged power outages in Karoo.

ESKOM OPTIMISTIC FOR KAROO POWER OUTAGE FIX

Despite challenges, Eskom remains optimistic about completing the project by Thursday, 15 February. This offers hope for the restoration of power in the Central Karoo.