Mop-up operations continue in aftermath of storm damage
MOP-UP operations continued on Monday after extensive storm damage impacted Kimberley and Delportshoop over the weekend.
Widespread electricity outages were experienced in several parts of the city when lightning struck sub-stations on Friday. The affected areas included Galeshewe, Homestead, Homevale, Colville, Homelite, Lethabo Park, Platfontein, Snake Park, Bloemanda, Transit Camp, Tswelelang and Roodepan.
Heavy rain and strong winds tore off roofs in Delportshoop and damaged infrastructure, while homes were soaked in various parts of Galeshewe.
Residents living behind the Homevale fire station reported that water had flooded their homes during the storm.
An explosion occurred at the HA Morris sub-station in Roodepan after being struck by lightning. Efforts were ongoing on Monday to restore power to parts of Roodepan. A new circuit breaker had to be installed at the Galeshewe sub-station on Sunday.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said a series of explosions caused extensive damage to electrical infrastructure, while muddy conditions had hampered access to certain sites.
“The electrical department worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to restore the power supply. Restoration of supply efforts are ongoing. All points where underground cable faults have been detected are being attended to. We are making every possible effort to restore the supply,” Mothibi said.
EFF councillor Lefa Leeuw said many areas in the Dikgaltong municipal area were flooded during the storm while infrastructure and homes were damaged.
“The municipality intervened, with the mayor and councillors assisting to provide food and shelter to those left stranded,” said Leeuw.
Warrenton was also left without power from Friday until Sunday.
The founder of the Municipal Public People's Participation Forum, Jan Louw, stated that water shedding also took place over the weekend due to a lack of electricity to power the pumps.
According to an advisory from Magareng Municipality, a sub-station tripped and this resulted in electricity disruptions in town, Stasie and Warrenvale.
