The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC) says yet another protracted power outage has occurred in the Eastern Cape metro, this time owing to the collapse of the Chelsea/Arlington 132 kV lattice tower.

“This once again highlights the critical impact of the lack of adequate and routine maintenance of the metro’s electricity infrastructure over many years, and the very serious consequences it has on the lives of communities and the continuity of business operations,” says CEO Denise van Huyssteen.

Less than two months ago two major electricity transmission towers on the Chatty/Bloemendal 132 kV line collapsed, leaving large parts of the metro without electricity and water for five days, she notes.

Prior to this, in August last year, the very same Chelsea/Arlington 132 kV line gave way, causing a power outage for more than a week.

“To date, there has been little progress on the promises and commitments made more than two years ago around the reconstruction of these facilities, and that maintenance would be performed on other electricity structures around Nelson Mandela Bay to avoid another prolonged power outage,” notes Van Huyssteen.

“The chamber has repeatedly urged that the 132-kV-maintenance contracts, as well as others, be renewed.

“Alongside this, it has warned of the high risks associated with not maintaining and securing key and critical municipal infrastructure. 

“We have also repeatedly flagged the need for Eskom technical assistance to be provided through their Active Partnering initiative to assist in addressing critical electricity infrastructure issues.”

Van Huyssteen says the costs to business arrive in the form of lost sales, cancelled bookings, and delays in meeting orders, as well as reputational damage to the metro as an investment destination.

“While loadshedding may have eased off over the last year, unplanned power outages have become a major issue.

“Since January 2023 we have recorded 202 unplanned power outages within the key industrial and commercial areas of the metro.”

Van Huyssteen says the continued power outages constitute an emergency situation.

She says remedial actions should include the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance plan within the metro; renewal of vital maintenance contracts; effective spending of municipal infrastructure budgets available to conduct regular preventative maintenance; and the implementation of robust security measures, including CCTV monitoring.

“Alongside this, it is essential that the 2026/27 budget makes sufficient provision for the upgrading and maintenance of the main 132 kV feeders,” she emphasises.

“Our local economy is under immense pressure, with many small, medium and large businesses across various sectors struggling to remain viable.

“This is not business as usual and requires speedy action in order to retain and attract much needed investment and employment for our metro.”

Nelson Mandela Bay houses big manufacturers such as the Volkswagen and Isuzu plants, as well as various component producers.