Phiwokuhle Mothemela
The Minister of Energy and Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the target to restore power to parts of Gqeberha by Sunday, is doable.
On Wednesday, Ramokgopa, deputy mayor Babalwa Lobishe, and municipal officials visited the site where four overhead transmission towers collapsed due to gale-force winds, resulting in a massive power outage in parts of the Metro.
During the minister's visit, active work was being done at the site where the towers collapsed.
Thus far, power has been restored to wards 1,2 and 3 on a load reduction capacity.
This was made possible by the transformer that was relocated from kwaFord at the weekend to the South End sub-station.
Ramokgopa says municipal distribution infrastructure needs to be properly maintained.
"There has to be a concerted effort to ensure that we can maintain municipal distribution infrastructure. What I have observed here in Gqeberha is confirmation of the extent of the problem in local government," the Minister said.
He added that his Department has pledged to work with the municipality to ensure that this matter is resolved soon as it is affecting "the quality of life of the people and businesses."
The Minister, in addressing plans to address the electricity issues and how the metro could grow, said more than a billion rand would be required in the next five years for this.
Lobishe reiterated the minister's sentiments on the deadline of 1 September and apologised to the affected residents saying: "It was conditions beyond our control."
Meanwhile, in an earlier update, NMB said that "significant progress has been made" after power was restored to wards 1, 2, and 3.
"This is after intensified ongoing restoration efforts, saw the 10 MVA transformer from KwaFord came live at the Southend substation last night (Tues), bringing much-needed relief to residents and businesses in Summerstrand, Humewood, Southend, and surrounding areas."
