NEWS SPONSORED BY DELL E-SERIES 24" MONITORS FROM DCC:

In the aftermath of the floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), repairs to over 500 MTN sites have begun but remains a challenging task, according to the company. Overnight MTN technicians were able to restore 28 sites in KZN, however, access to sites that have now been declared a disaster are preventing repair work from continuing. 

“The situation on the ground is devastating and we are finding that as sites are being restored new sites are becoming affected. We can confirm that much of Ballito is now back up and running as our technicians were able to access the affected sites. However, many other sites remain inaccessible and dangerous,” explains MTN SA’s executive for Corporate Affairs, Jacqui O’Sullivan. 

“Technicians attempted fibre repairs in Scottburgh and Umlazi last night but Disaster Management officials and the SAPS had to stop activities as a road and bridge in the affected areas became dangerously unstable. The teams are back there this morning for another attempt at the repairs,” she adds. 

Currently, more than 370 sites are affected by the floods, while loadshedding remains a concern, as batteries need 12-16 hours to recharge which is not always possible in these current conditions. MTN notes it has "every possible internal and partner resource deployed" to restore services. 

“We know this is a time of great anxiety and frustration, as friends and families worry for the safety of their loved ones. The MTN Foundation, as part of our ongoing Y’ello Hope initiative, is currently preparing R250 000 worth of food parcels and blankets to send to the affected region, to help those most in need. The restoring of connectivity is our priority, and we will keep our customers updated via social media, radio and TV, as services are restored,” says O’Sullivan.