MAKHADO – Power outages on the Sheffera power lines on the Witvlag Road are a source of frustration for businesses and residents on the road.
The first power outage started on Thursday, August 22 and continued on Friday, August 23. The outages started again on Sunday evening, on August 25 and continued to Monday, August 26.
Maré van der Merwe of Figtree Sawmills said these outages were a real problem. “Business is standing and over 60 workers are sitting looking at each other because with no power there is no work,” said van der Merwe.
Louis Bobodi, spokesperson for the Makhado Municipality said the problem started on Thursday, August 22 at about 21:00.
“On Friday, we sent a team to investigate, but as lines run through forests, it was difficult to patrol it. The fault was later discovered. The top of the pole was burned off due to a leaking insulator, which was damaged by lightening.
“We temporarily repaired the fault because the pole would have to be replaced, which needs a lot of labour and it was just before knock-off time. Unfortunately the temporary repair could not be done in such a way that the line stayed on.
“On Monday morning, a team was sent out to replace the pole and that caused the interruption on Monday.”
Unfortunately the problem is not completely solved. According to Van der Merwe, the outages started again and they were without electricity on September 12 and 13.
