Power restored to parts of Belhar left in dark for more than a month

CAPE TOWN - Power has finally been restored to parts of Belhar which were left in the dark for more than a month.

Eskom confirmed the repairs were completed on Friday.

The power utility previously told EWN that since May, 12 substations had been damaged in Belhar.

Concerns were raised about elderly people using oxygen machines, as well as having to be without power in the middle of winter.

Belhar resident, Natalie Jacobs, said that just last week, another substation was vandalised.

"There is still a kiosk that needs to be repaired in Haarlem Street that is not yet fixed. We have been waiting for more than a week now for the officials or the technicians to come out to assess the damage at the kiosk and to come and install a metal box. So there is still a block of people without a power supply."

Western Cape Eskom spokesperson, Kyle Cookson, said that they were aware of the latest damaged substation.

"This is despite a recent community engagement where we made it clear that Eskom cannot prioritise repairs to infrastructure that is repeatedly targeted. These incidents are costing Eskom millions of rands. We urge communities to help protect the infrastructure by reporting vandalism or any suspicious activity."