KNYSNA NEWS - The impact of Eskom's incompetence has wider implications than just negotiating a home without lights the Knysna Municipality has warned.
Load shedding is frustrating on many levels, municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala explained warning that if it continues this severely, it may have more of an impact than one realises.
"Higher phases of load shedding places immense strain on our infrastructure and resources, and might even start to affect services like electricity and water supply, as well as works at the wastewater treatment plant," he said.
Impact on infrastructure
Municipal electricity infrastructure could be severely damaged due to power surges when Eskom's supply is cut or reinstated, Vatala said, which would have a negative impact on the municipality's ability to provide this service – once the power is back on.
"Our water reticulation service is arguably one of the most important that we deliver. But many of our pumping stations are at a standstill during load shedding, which means we are unable to fill our reservoirs from our water sources.
"I urge all residents and holidaymakers to please use water very sparingly. This resource is already under a lot of pressure, and continued load shedding may inhibit our ability to provide access to it," said the MM.
He added that should the load shedding continue, the municipality will consider the reintroduction of higher-level water restrictions to conserve water and reduce the load on the sewer treatment works.
Wastewater treatment works
"Our wastewater treatment works is a prime example of a system placed under a lot of strain during load shedding. Sewerage pump stations must be manually overridden at least 30 minutes prior to the implementation of load shedding for technical and practical reasons This is but one instance of extra manpower required to ensure the smooth running of all services, as far as is reasonably possible," Vatala said.
Load shedding also holds unexpected, adverse financial implications for the municipality, according to the MM. He said that not only is there the additional manpower necessary for various added manual actions to consider, but also the costs associated with the rental and purchasing of equipment like generators and the fuel necessary to power them.
"It must be made very clear that Eskom is the electricity supplier to this municipality," said Vatala. "We are responsible for providing access to this service and its reticulation.
'Our hands are tied'
"However, if we are not supplied any electricity from Eskom, our hands are tied. Many residents vent their frustration at the sudden changes in the load shedding schedule on the municipality.
Unfortunately we are often notified of intended load shedding, or changes in the schedule, after such have already been implemented. It is also common knowledge that the utility does not always adhere to its own schedule."
"I can guarantee our residents and visitors that we are investigating – and implementing – counter measures to ensure that our services are delivered as far as possible," said Vatala.
"In the meantime, make sure that your security systems are sufficient, that your solar lights and cellphones are charged, that you have extra candles and matches, and a good supply of braai wood and firelighters. And enjoy your well-deserved vacation."
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
