Update: 14:38 (Tuesday, March 24)

Power has been restored to most areas of Potchefstroom after a joint effort between municipality and locally sourced businesses who had to work together to fix the main issues that caused the 24-hour electricity outage.

Significant progress was made since 09:45 this morning, which included the removal of a damaged conductor and relocation of jumpers on the 132kV line supplying electricity to the CBD Substation.

Original story posted 09:30 (Tuesday, March 24)

Large sections of Potchefstroom, Promosa and Mohadin are still without electricity due to the burnt cable on a 132kV line as well as other technical difficulties.

Eskom switched off the electricity last night (Monday, March 23) at around 21:00 in order for the JB Marks Technical team to repair and replace the cable.

The work has not yet been completed as the JB Marks Electrical Department was awaiting a crane that can extend up to 40 metres with a bucket in which electricians can be lifted to finish repairs. The crane arrived on the site at around 09:00 this morning.

According to JB Marks Municipal spoksperson, Jeanette Tshite, the Technical team has been working continuously to restore power.

“Repairs on affected lines were carried out using a 15-metre, 8-ton crane truck, supported by a team of skilled pole climbers. Significant progress has been made, including the removal of a damaged conductor and relocation of jumpers on the 132kV line supplying electricity to the CBD Substation,” she stated.

Currently, all the areas previously affected, are still without electricity. This includes, Bailliepark, Mooivalleipark, Bult, Vanderhoffpark, Tuscany Ridge, and other nearby areas.

Other sections without power include certain areas of the CBD, Miederpark, Suiddorp, Elandsheuwel, Wilgeboom, Promosa and Mohadin. This is due to another technical fault that the JB Marks Municipality is currently busy fixing.

There are sections where the power has been restored in the abovementioned areas, as the power had initially been restored earlier this morning just after 06:00.

Residents also did not have cell phone reception last night due to the power outage, as the cell phone tower had to run on batteries.

According to Anné van Onselen, DA Ward 3 councillor, residents are frustrated with the lack of electricity, with some having been without power for nearly 24 hours.

The Herald will provide any new information as soon as it is available.