Update: Oslo Beach power outage continues: ‘This is madness’

Update: March 5

Power has finally been restored to the area.

The power outage in Oslo Beach, in particular, is well into its third day and there is no good news on the immediate horizon.

Eskom said in a statement that the power outage in the area was due to a major fault at the Marburg substation.

Technicians have been dispatched to the area and are working on the fault. Power supply to Marburg, Oslo Beach and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality is affected.

“There is currently no estimated time of return. All customers are urged to treat all electricity installations as live,” said Eskom.

Marburg industrial was also affected, but according to Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, power has been restored.

“Investigations have shown that these are due to flashovers in the Eskom substation in Marburg and are affecting the busbar and circuit breakers,” said spokesman Simon April.

“As RNM, we sincerely apologise as this is beyond our control,” he said.

However, the wait for power to return to Oslo Beach continues.

“Eskom is still having problems because power has not been restored in feeder cable Munic 2 which is supplying Oslo Beach,” said April.

“As RNM we are continuing to engage with Eskom and will provide updates.”

Residents have expressed anger and frustration.

“It always seems to be us,” said one.

“Can you believe it? Easter is around the corner and we have no power!”

Many have seen food spoil, food that has had to be thrown out, food purchased after recent pay days and month-end.

“These are the kinds of things that make such a big difference to the ‘little people’, they need every edge they can get and are living on the breadline. Having no power for so long really, really hurts.”

“We have heard parts have to be sourced from overseas, hence the delay.”

Hopefully Eskom will be able to resolve the problems speedily and have power restored.

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