Mr Wimpie Venter, one of the town’s leading wireless connection specialists, told www.mobserver.co.za that since load shedding has been reintroduced, a rising number of routers had to be replaced due to surge damage.

The municipality is, however, not liable for any surge damage to any electrical appliances, though this disclaimer does not hinder locals lodging claims against the municipality’s insurers.

When the municipality advertises tenders, tender documents clearly state that the municipality accepts no liability for any damage to appliances, either directly or indirectly caused by municipal infrastructure or load shedding.

By-laws also clearly repudiates claims against the municipality for surge damage caused by outages or load shedding.

Even cellphone reception is influenced by load shedding, with network providers saying backup batteries at cell towers, which are also in high demand with thieves, cannot recharge properly, resulting in sporadic network outages.

According to Mr Venter, owner of Fibre First, the company has had to replace a number of routers which “popped” during surges, at a cost to the company.

During the past year, several council agendas highlighted claims against the municipality for financial reimbursement on damaged electrical appliances.
Lesser claims for loss of food have also been lodged.

The municipality is one of few who keep residents up-to-date on load shedding schedules, for residents to prepare for outages.

The Gholfsig substation, which has caused a lot of problems, especially for Mhluzi and the western suburbs, will be fully repaired by the end of March, while a new substation for Mhluzi will also reduce the dependence of about 80% of the town on the damaged substation.

The contractor for the Gholfsig repairs was awaiting some materials and committed to obtaining all outstanding necessities by January’s end.

With ongoing load shedding, residents feel twice denied, and with added pressures of internet and cell interruptions, their frustrations are aggravated.

Companies like Telkom and other fibre optic installers can, however, claim for losses when damage occurs due to municipal interference.

All claims are referred to the municipality’s legal department for liability, before being referred to insurers.

These cases, however, drag on, often across the financial year-end, resulting in long waiting periods before adjudication.

“Load shedding and occasional infrastructure failures are unfortunately a reality which the municipality cannot accept liability for,” spokeswoman Ms Prudence Magutle told www.mobserver.co.za.

Herotel Hi-Tech, another leading wireless internet provider, reported less damage over the same period.

Meanwhile, three wireless companies have applied for leeway to install the infrastructure, approved by council during an earlier 2020 resolution.

There are massive capital costs for which the companies are responsible for, pushing smaller local players out of the mushrooming market.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments.

As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.

Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.

A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

Do you have a news lead?

Contact our editorial office on 013 243 1434 or our standby number for emergencies on 072 248 3855 to share your story with us.

Follow us on the Middelburg Observer Facebook group or page or send a whatsapp to 072 248 3855 with the words “add me” for the latest news.