PATIENTS have been left stranded and struggling to get some of the health services they need.
This is due to the ongoing power supply challenges affecting Elim Hospital in Limpopo and the surrounding areas.
This comes after an electricity cable was stolen at the Eskom's Rivolwa Substation.
Neil Shikwambana, a spokesman for the health department, expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused by the unfortunate incident.
“As a consequence of the cable theft and vandalism at the Rivolwa Substation, there will be unavoidable delays in restoring electricity to the affected areas,” he said.
The situation has placed a considerable strain on Elim Hospital, which has been operating solely on a standby generator since Sunday, 29 October at 9 pm.
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“We are deeply concerned to inform our valued community stakeholders that the Elim Hospital has been hit hard by the ongoing power supply challenges affecting the hospital and the surrounding areas,” said Shikwambana.
He said they recognise the difficulties and challenges caused by this situation and sincerely apologies for any inconvenience experienced by residents when visiting the hospital.
“Eskom is currently working on restoring the stolen cables and updates will be provided on the progress of power restoration. We will keep our residents informed,” he said.
The impact of this cable theft is being felt by residents and businesses across Elim and its vicinity.
Areas affected include the Waterval cop shop, Twin City Mall, Hubyeni Shopping Complex, local clinics in Elim, Vleifontein Clinic, and schools in Vleifontein, Maila, Munzhedzi, Shirley, Mpheni and Magangeni amongst others.
