Lights finally on in eSikhaleni
THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for many eSikhaleni residents who have struggled for months with regular power outages.
Eskom concluded its work with the replacement of a transformer at the uMhlathuze Municipality’s Cygnus substation in eSikhaleni last Thursday.
The transformer has now been handed over to the municipality for energising.
The replacement comes after a 132/11kV transformer failed in December, impacting supply to KwaNdaye, Isikhalasenkosi, eMzingwenya, eMabuyeni, Mpembeni, eMkhobose, eNdindima and Madaka.
For months, many households could only get power for few hours a day, and the municipality had to approach Eskom for assistance in fast-tracking the repairs.
‘Our lives have been affected because our power only comes back on after 11pm. It’s been a struggle to even make supper,’ said Zodwa Mtshali from Reserve 18.
A 61-year-old grandmother from the area also said she has been collecting wood from the nearest forest to ensure she could feed her grandchildren.
According to KZN Eskom spokesperson Joyce Zingoni, the replacement of the transformer concludes a long and complex emergency process undertaken to avert further loss of supply.
‘After searching across the country for a suitable replacement, Eskom ultimately identified one of its critical spares at its transmission’s Apollo substation in Gauteng,’ said Zingoni.
‘The commissioning process proved to be more complicated than usual owing to differences in design and layout between Eskom and uMhlathuze substations, but the concerted efforts of Eskom teams ensured the transformer was ready for energising at the earliest possible time.’
General manager of Eskom’s central-east cluster, Agnes Mlambo commended the team in restoring supply.
‘uMhlathuze’s Eskom account is in good standing and Eskom always endeavours to partner with municipalities to benefit the communities we serve,’ said Mlambo.