KwaDukuza’s southern grid must be stabilised before the Easter influx of holidaymakers.

This is the clear mandate of the electrical task team, consisting of representatives from the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), iLembe Chamber of Commerce, major estates and ratepayer bodies, which met for the first time last week.

The team’s primary focus is addressing the persistent power outages that have plagued KwaDukuza’s southern grid, which has experienced blackouts on 81 of the past 90 days.

Their first priority is to tackle issues at the Imbonini Substation, which serves Salt Rock and Shaka’s Head. The group agreed to replace 150 metres of faulty cables in the area as a first step.

The necessary replacement cables are reportedly in stock, a contractor is ready and it has been referred to council for funding approval.

KDM spokesperson, Sifiso Zulu, said that work was also being done to create an alternative feed to Imbonini via the Ballito Business Park Substation.

Further cable replacement is ongoing at the Sheffield Substation too.

Meanwhile, the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) has pushed for additional intervention in the crisis.

The group wrote to the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), and submitted a Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) request to KDM to gather specifics on grid breakdowns and maintenance records.

According to Docrra chairman, Deon Viljoen, Cogta agreed to host a meeting between KDM, Docrra, the KwaDukuza Organised Residents and Ratepayers Alliance, the KwaDukuza Business Forum, and the iLembe Chamber to improve communication and create a framework for better engagement.

He added that KDM had responded to the PAIA request, and the feedback is currently being reviewed.

In the meantime, residents have been actively contributing to prevent further outages.

In conjunction with Ward 22 councillor, Privi Makhan, a group of residents and businesses recently cut back trees that were interfering with power lines.

“Over the last two weeks we saw local business partner with the KwaDukuza electrical department to clear the Sheffield and Foxhill feeder lines, in order to prevent some of these trips,” said Makhan.

“The electricity department concurrently undertook an operation to strengthen conductors on these lines on the same day. This is a great example of how partnerships can work for the betterment of communities.”

She thanked Snow Cogan from The Workstation, Jason Kobusch, Dolphin Coast Waste Management, Ballito Sweepers and Dolphin Coast Mini Skips for their help.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.