The South African Weather Service has warned residents to brace themselves for further cold weather and scattered thundershowers over the Free State, Northern Cape, and western parts of North West until Thursday (7/5). Wet and windy conditions are forecast across large parts of the country.

Widespread rainfall has been recorded across the Free State, extending into the Western and Eastern Cape. Some areas are expected to receive between 100mm and 200mm within 24 hours, raising concerns about flooding and infrastructure damage.

The adverse conditions have taken a toll on local electricity infrastructure. Centlec acting spokesperson Tsheliso Leba said the utility has been grappling with a surge in network faults and damage.

Due to inclement weather patterns predicted by the weather services a few days ago, Mangaung power utility Centlec experienced high volumes of network faults and infrastructure damage in several areas within its area of operation.

“These localised, weather-related outages affected normal response time, which in some cases led to extended repair times due to damaged infrastructure, increased call volumes at our call centre, and reduced technician availability, especially in heavily impacted areas.

“We have deployed our teams and equipment in various areas around the city to ensure that power is restored as soon as possible.”

Areas including Roodewal, Bainsvlei, Langenhoven Park, Phahameng, Batho, Orangesig, Wilgehof, Meriting, Khotsong, JB Mafora, Caleb Motshabi, Phase 6, Olive Hill, Willows, Westdene, Hilton, and Bayswater have experienced prolonged outages during the week. More than 300 complaints were logged with Centlec.

Leba appealed to residents for patience as the utility works through an unprecedented backlog of fault reports.

Meanwhile, the metro issued a warning regarding rising water levels. On Wednesday, officials confirmed the Modder River Basin is overflowing, affecting the Mockesdam, Maselspoort, and Krugersdrift dam systems.

Farmers, businesses, and residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move movable assets, equipment, livestock, and valuables to safer ground. Authorities have also urged the public to avoid driving through flooded areas and to remain vigilant as conditions continue to evolve.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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