Recovery plan for power outages in Karoo underway

Eskom says its electricity supply recovery plans for towns in the Karoo, which lost power due to severe damage to infrastructure during inclement weather, are progressing well. The damage cut electricity supply to Sutherland, Roggeveld, Laingsburg, Ladismith, Leeu Gamka, Swartberg, Merweville, Matjiesfontein, Prince Albert, Fraserburg and the surrounding areas. 'Eskom's recovery plan to repair the infrastructure… is making significant progress with the electricity restoration date (ETR) in sight. The ETR remains this Thursday, even though teams are pushing to secure an earlier date and time to bring back electricity supply to the affected towns in the Karoo,' the power utility said. Eskom assured customers that repairs are 'near completion'. 'To date, the intermediate structures have been planted. Two conductors, with one phase each, are running along the intermediate structures as part of the stringing process. The remaining four conductors will be run today, with stringing to commence. 'Eskom understan ds the frustration of these customers that must endure such a prolonged period without electricity and can assure them that the multiple teams onsite are working around the clock to bring back supply as soon as possible. 'Eskom thanks all its stakeholders for their continued support and the affected customers for their patience and understanding,' Eskom said. Source: South African Government News Agency