Mtunzini to get switched on as Eskom steps up to plate to address outage problems
Eskom jumps in to return full power to the people
ESKOM is taking decisive action to address complaints of power outages in Mtunzini – a problem which has been ongoing for several months.The power utility called a public meeting last week, chaired by Councillor Keith Powell, where identified problem areas were highlighted.
Eskom representatives Linda Mkhombe, Leigh Horsley and Bonga Zwane said tests on the main supply lines and reticulation networks would be conducted and at least eight mini substations replaced.
Plans of the reticulation network are not up to date, which makes fault finding difficult and time-consuming, resulting in frustrating power outages for consumers. Eskom has set aside a substantial budget to roll out the following phases of preparation, repairs and upgrades:
• Checking and testing the two bulk main incoming supply cables
• Tracing and mapping the supply network of cables from the mini substations to all the properties in town
• Replacing the defective mini subs, that may also require the lengthening of cables that supply and feed from the mini substations.
Tracing and mapping
The tracing and mapping of the cables will be a major operation and the entire village’s cooperation (excluding the Eco Estate) will be needed.
The Mtunzini Residents’ Association (MRA) will create a Whatsapp broadcast group to advise residents which part of the town will be disconnected during operations.
This will also allow for quick communication with technicians.
This phase will be done mostly at night when residents are at home.
Power interruptions will be of very short duration depending on co-operation of all residents.
Procedures will be explained more fully at the time.
Once Eskom has a clear mapping system of all the cables in the village in place, cables will be rerouted where necessary to group them in the correct sectors and keeping groups of properties clustered together.
Repairs will then also be done to old or damaged cables.
Mini- substation replacement
New substations are not the same size as the old ones, meaning footings need to be changed and cables must often be extended because of height differences.
Outages for these operations will run between 12 and 18 hours.
Eskom said prior notices of scheduled outages will be issued to affected residents.
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