The Provincial Disaster Management Centre says it’s receiving reports from municipalities in the Western Cape on the impact of loadshedding on their ability to provide essential services.

The Department of Local Government is currently aware of water challenges in Kannaland. The Garden Route District municipality is supporting Oudtshoorn Municipality with water tankers in Ladysmith and Dysselsdorp. The Matzikama and Swartland Municipalities have also reported technical issues with their water and sewage systems.

Many municipalities have also raised concerns about the increased cost of diesel, as they are anticipating long hours of backup generator usage.

MEC Anton Bredell says the costs associated with loadshedding keep piling up.

“We are concerned about water reservoirs that cannot fill up sufficiently, with subsequent pipe bursts due to uneven pressure in the pipe networks when normal levels are restored again. Sewage systems are designed for a constant flow of water, and interruptions due to load shedding can cause sewage blockages and spills.”

The provincial department of health is also monitoring where there are is a need to increase diesel supplies to health facilities for their generators. Maintenance teams have been advised to monitor diesel levels and where necessary top them up to handle the extended loadshedding periods.

The increased level of loadshedding is also having a significant impact on other provincial government services. The department of Social Development’s services are being hampered by the national crisis of load-shedding. The blackouts impact safety at GBV shelters and DSD offices.

Electronic gates, cameras, and locks stop working, posing a risk to clients and staff. Load shedding compromises the provision of food at these facilities and administrative work.

The provincial government says it will continue to closely monitor the impact of increased loadshedding on services through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and provide residents with regular updates.