Illegal connections cause of ongoing Mtubatuba power outage

ESKOM has said that “rampant illegal connections” which have resulted in blown transformers may be the reason some Ndlovu Village residents in Mtubatuba remain in the dark.

Residents in this area popularly known as KwaD say they have been without electricity for a month, some up to three.

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In a statement, the power utility noted a “rise in blown transformers due to overloading, resulting in electricity outages” in several parts in the province. According to ward 5 residents, some six transformers in the area are problematic.

Residents said their supply was now being cut by a contractor doing the rounds in the area.

“We were told that Eskom had promised to change 400 electricity meters for households connected to the problematic transformers,” said resident Ngenzelwe Gumede.

According to Gumede, residents who have had their supply cut were issued with R6 000 fines.

“Where are people who make a meagre income, some who rely on social grants, expected to come up with the R6 000,” Gumede questioned.

Eskom said it would only replace transformers that are blown or damaged by overloading resulting from illegal connections once the latter “have been removed”.

“In addition, household meters will be audited to ensure it is safe to reconnect. This will result in extended power outages for the communities,” the statement reads.

The power utility also said it implements load reduction in areas where network overloading is experienced.

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