WC govt sends generators to areas braving power outages in Central Karoo

CAPE TOWN - Residents in towns affected by power outages in the Central Karoo District Municipality may have to go through this week without electricity.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says Eskom has informed them that it might take a week to fix the power lines damaged by the weekend's thunderstorm.

Roggeveld, Laingsburg, Ladismith, Leeugamka, Merweville, Matjiesfontein, and Prince Albert are all affected.

Fraserburg and Sutherland in the Northern Cape are also affected.

Winde said they're sending generators to the areas to mitigate the impact of the power outages.

"We must make sure we prioritise water and that has been done. Water tankers are being taken to wherever is necessary. The engagement with cellphone providers has already taken place, and battery systems, generators systems are there, so we can at least keep cellphone connectivity going. Our priority then will also be healthcare, our hospitals seem to be okay at the moment as well as our schools."