Eskom
By Mpho Moloi
Eskom KwaZulu-Natal is grappling with widespread power outages across the province following severe weather conditions that included heavy rains and snowfalls. The company has issued an official statement urging residents to remain patient as restoration efforts may take longer than usual due to the number of faults and the challenges posed by road closures and accessibility to affected areas.
The areas most severely impacted by the outages include Newcastle, Dundee, Estcourt, Glencoe, and Ladysmith, among others, as outlined in Eskom’s media statement released earlier today by Joyce Zingoni, Industry Support and Stakeholder Management for Eskom’s Central East Cluster.
Widespread Impact of Severe Weather
KwaZulu-Natal has experienced an unusual and heavy spell of rainfall combined with snow, which has disrupted both daily life and infrastructure. Power outages have struck across various parts of the province, affecting both urban and rural areas. The outages have severely impacted essential services and left communities without electricity for extended periods.
The Newcastle region, including Dundee, is among the worst hit, with many residents reporting extended periods of power loss since the early hours of the morning. The Ladysmith area has faced similar difficulties, with Eskom technicians unable to access several sites due to heavy snow and road closures.
“Due to the large number of faults, customers may experience delays in restoration, but all faults will be attended to as soon as possible,” the statement read. Eskom has assured the public that all available technicians are on standby to attend to faults as soon as they can gain access to the affected areas.
Technicians Face Accessibility Challenges
While Eskom technicians are prepared to tackle the outages, the severe weather has made it difficult for them to reach fault sites. Many roads in the affected regions are either flooded or covered in snow, which hampers the restoration process.
In particular, Nottingham Road, Mooi River, and Umgeni have reported roadblocks, making it difficult for Eskom personnel to access vital infrastructure. The company’s ability to deploy its teams to these areas has been delayed, and they are working in coordination with municipal authorities to clear routes and restore electricity as quickly as possible.
A Call for Patience
Eskom has called on residents to be patient and has urged them to take necessary safety precautions while the restoration process is underway. “We understand the frustration that our customers may be feeling, but the safety of both our teams and the public is our top priority,” said Joyce Zingoni.
The company has emphasized the importance of safety during this time, especially regarding electrical hazards that may arise due to downed power lines, flooding, and the use of alternative power sources.
In the released statement, Eskom reminded customers of the following safety tips:
• Avoid contact with broken electrical infrastructure.
• Unplug electrical equipment during storms to prevent damage.
• Refrain from using electrical appliances when standing in water.The public has been urged to report any faults or damaged infrastructure through the MyEskom Customer App, Alfred the Chatbot, or by calling the Eskom Contact Centre at 08600 ESKOM (37566).
Safety Tips for Residents
Given the dangerous weather conditions, Eskom has also provided a list of safety tips for residents to follow during and after floods or heavy rains:
• Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives to avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during the storm.
• Avoid contact with water and plumbing, including sinks and baths, during lightning storms.
• Do not use electrical appliances or touch electric wires, switches, or fuses when your hands are wet or when standing in water.
• If any electrical appliance has come into contact with water, residents are advised to get a professional to check it out before using it again.Eskom has further urged the public to avoid attempting to remove fallen trees or broken branches near power lines, as this could pose an electrocution risk. They are encouraged to wait until the power lines have been isolated and made safe by authorised Eskom personnel.
Community Impact
In some areas, businesses have been forced to close due to prolonged power outages, while residents without backup generators are struggling to keep warm as temperatures drop. In Pietermaritzburg, reports indicate that the power outage has also disrupted local communication networks, leaving some residents without access to mobile services and the internet.
The economic impact of the outages is also being felt across the agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Bulwer and Underberg, which are significant farming hubs in KZN. Farmers in these areas rely heavily on electricity to power equipment, and the outages have hampered both production and storage, with perishable goods at risk.
Authorities Step In
Local authorities have been working in coordination with Eskom to clear roadways and improve access to key infrastructure sites. The KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management Centre has been activated to assist with emergency response efforts, particularly in more remote areas where access is proving to be difficult.
A spokesperson from the Centre stated, “We are prioritizing areas where Eskom technicians are unable to gain access due to road closures. Our teams are working to clear these routes, but it may take some time due to the volume of debris and snow.”
Meanwhile, residents of Hluhluwe and Margate have expressed their concerns over prolonged blackouts. Several social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustrations. One user wrote, “We’ve been without power for over 24 hours. Eskom needs to do more to restore our electricity. We are freezing in this cold weather.”
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