This is according to Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) municipal spokesperson, Thabo Kessah, who says they are currently waiting for the first load of equipment to be delivered.

Kessah, on Thursday 15 September 2022, reiterated that it was still difficult to estimate when the work will be completed, as each stage will need to undergo multiple tests that will certify the work expected to be covered.

Futhermore, he mentioned that “due to the magnitude of the work to be done, all residents are requested to allow work to proceed peacefully without any undue interference and pressure”.

The town has been without power supply since Monday 5 September 2022. Power was briefly restored on Monday 12 September, but the substation failed again and more repairs had to be commissioned.

ALSO READ: Harrismith electricity crisis being addressed

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance (DA) member of the Free State Legislature, Leona Kleynhans, confirmed the news, stating that on Friday, 16 September 2022, the substation will be cleaned to eradicate all carbon available.

“A contractor has been appointed and work is taking place at the substation. It will, however, take quite a few days before that substation is fully repaired. The work that is happening at the moment is a full upgrade and rehabilitation of the whole substation. The substation was clearly very fragile because every time there is cable theft, it further degrades that substation.”

ALSO READ: Harrismith businesses are affected by power outage

Kleynhans says local businesses have also contributed by donating to the municipality, while others source funders who will assist with costs relating to this project.

She also urged the community to refrain from acts of violence and allow work to be done to avoid further delays.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi