Eskom has denied involvement in the multimillion-rand power line being built from Duvha Power Station heading north.

The response came after Eskom took three weeks to answer enquiries from the Observer.

Motorists using the Duvha road first saw sections of land being cleared every few kilometres, then bases being built, and then steel structures being unloaded.

After the Observer reported on the story a week ago, more residents came forward, saying the pylons would also be erected on the section of land that previously belonged to Pienaardam owner Gerrie Gerrits, just beyond the Aerorand neighbourhood.

A day later, residents of the Keerom plots called and said that earthworks were being done in various places, indicating that the power line was extending to the north.

After three weeks of several apologies for not providing information, Eskom sent a short response to the paper.

It states: “Our sincere apologies for the delay in sending you the response. Eskom can confirm that it does not have a project at Duvha Power Station or in the surrounding areas that corresponds with the activities described in your enquiry.”

Power can only be routed north from Duvha Power Station, which is owned by Eskom, and erecting a heavy-duty national grid pylon costs between R3m and R4m.

Former employees claim official project

Former Eskom employees who spoke to the paper said, on condition of anonymity, that this is definitely an Eskom project that will provide power to Groblersdal and the surrounding area.

“The power line should have been built years ago. It is definitely an Eskom project, but contractors are probably handling the construction of the power line. It has yet to be decided whether the line will be built up to Marble Hall.”

Because the pylons are being built on municipal land, municipal councillors were also contacted, with one stating: “A 440kV line is being built from Duvha to Groblersdal.”