KLEINMOND – After almost a year with no electricity issues, the municipal library and administrative offices here faced an undisclosed challenge with the stand-in generator during the recent bout of loadshedding. This issue was brought to light by an avid reader who reported to the Overstrand Herald that she couldn’t exchange books during loadshedding.

Further investigation revealed that the malfunctioning generator also impacted the Traffic Department’s ability to issue vehicle licenses.

Fortunately, Overstrand Municipality had already addressed the matter, as it regularly services its generators. A date for the delivery of the repaired generator was not confirmed, but according to the Herald’s observations it is already in place.

Overstrand Municipal Manager Dr. Dean O’Neill, informed the Herald that municipal generators are serviced every six months. During the June 2024 service, it was discovered that the Kleinmond generator was faulty. A report from the service provider indicated that the alternator was completely damaged and beyond repair. Additionally, the canopy and fuel tank were entirely rusted.

A significant amount of money was required to replace and repair the damaged parts. Eventually, the necessary funds were secured, and an order was placed for a new alternator, as well as repairs to the canopy and fuel tank.

In December 2024, the service provider took the generator for the required repairs. Last week, confirmation was received that the generator has been repaired. The municipality, at that stage, was awaiting confirmation from the service provider on the delivery date.

Other services, including the MVR traffic offices, were also affected by the faulty generator, Dr O’Neill said.