MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Residents were literally left in the dark on Monday when the town and surrounding areas were hit by a two-hour long power failure.

Monday's power interruption came as a surprise to many. Bigger institutions, such as banks, were, however, informed of the power cut beforehand.

According to the Makhado Municipality's Electricity Department, routine investigations at the town's main feeder on Sunday revealed serious damage to the coupling between Eskom's main line and the feeder. Although still functioning, it was feared that failure to repair the coupling in time would definitely result in more serious damage.

The power interruption lasted all of two hours, from 17:00 until 19:00. Some parts in town were, however, left without electricity for longer. This was due to the fact that, when the main electricity supply was switched on again, a power overload caused fuses in certain areas to blow. Council apologised for any inconvenience caused by the power failure.

Apart from this week's power interruption, residents should prepare themselves for many more power cuts during June. These power cuts will be made be Eskom, all of them on outside electricity lines to rural areas and villages. At this stage, it would seem that Louis Trichardt will not be affected by the interruptions