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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said efforts were being intensified to have power restored to large parts of the Metro within seven days.
In an update on Sunday afternoon, NMB said its Joint Operations Centre (JOC) had approved emergency measures to address prolonged electricity supply disruptions caused by the collapse of four 132 kV overhead transmission towers.
The towers, which are part of the network from Chelsea Substation, Arlington Substation, and Summerstrand Substation, collapsed during gale-force winds last week but had already been compromised by rust and corrosion.
“As of 25 August 2024, significant progress has been made in the construction and restoration efforts.
“In partnership with Eskom's design and survey teams, and additional construction teams, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has completed a detailed assessment of the damage, which has resulted in the initial projected repair timeline of 14 days being reduced to 7 days,” said spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya.
He said contractors have begun excavating and planting poles, whilst the Eskom team from the Eastern Cape has started installing steel monopoles and post insulators and all efforts were being accelerated by increasing the workforce and extending working hours.
Soyaya said additional teams from the Western Cape will arrive on Monday to expedite the process, with work continuing overnight to meet the revised timeline.
Meanwhile, a transformer was installed at the South End substation, and cable terminations are underway, and projected to be completed by 26 August 2024.
“Following this, a 24-hour oil filtration and soaking process will take place, with plans to begin load-taking by 27 August 2024.”
He said the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has also come on board to assist in the power restoration efforts and to provide generators to supply alternative power to Cheshire Homes retirement apartments while a second generator is being installed at Kingshurst retirement apartments.
“On 26 August 2024, additional teams will focus on starting the reconductor stringing, while other teams from Eskom, the contractor, and the NMBM will continue planting poles to ensure continuous progress,” Soyaya said.
The Metro has once more apologised for the significant inconvenience and pleaded for calm and understanding as work continues to restore power supply to all affected areas.
