Swopping weapons for spades, 70 Free State soldiers were deployed to help restore electricity to Tinley Manor and Flag Farm areas on Tuesday.

During the floods on April 11, the P228 near Flag Farm saw water from the Mhlali River rise three metres above ground level, damaging the bridge and ripping out electrical poles and washing them away.

This severely damaged the connection between the Shakaskraal and Sheffield substations.

Large parts of the electrical grid around KwaDukuza were affected and repair work has since started.

KwaDukuza municipality’s senior electrician, Rajesh Parduman, said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members were brought in to help with the digging of holes and installation of electrical poles.

With the aid of the military, the municipality hoped to speed up the repair process to avoid more electrical breakdowns in the region.

The repair cost to the municipality is R250 000, but the army labour is free.

Parduman said about 3km of high powered electrical cabling would be restored.

“The army is here to help us dig 34 holes, each 1.8m deep,” he said, adding that 24 of the holes would be used to hold new poles. The remaining 10 will be used for stay wires to support the electrical poles.

“These guys are working in tough conditions. You have to keep in mind that the ground is water-logged and fills with water as they dig,” he said.
Leader of the SANDF team, Captain Medupe Sekhoana, said they would also assist with the clearing of debris along the flood-ravaged P228 which connects Sheffield to Shakaskraal and Tinley Manor.

According to ward 20 DA PR councillor, Bulelwa Mvulana, the road had been graded and was open for use.

Last Thursday KwaDukuza mayor, Lindi Nhaca, welcomed the army contingent to KwaDukuza who will also help with other mop-up operations.

Speaking at the temporary military base at the Gledhow sport grounds, she said KwaDukuza had been hit hard by the floods.

“Infrastructure has been severely damaged and many families have been accommodated in our halls. We appreciate that the military is here to help us,” she said.

Nhaca also appealed to the military to assist in fighting with drug dealing in KwaDukuza’s King Shaka Street.

The military will continue to operate in the region until June 14.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.