FTLM  conduct investigations on damaged solar panels at parking site

BURGERSFORT

Immediately, after the heavy storms damaged the solar panels at the FTLM, the mayor, Cllr Eddie Maila,  expressed concern over the incident and issued a directive for a full structural investigation.

On November 19, the FTLM confirmed that a severe storm that swept through Burgersfort this afternoon has caused damage to municipal infrastructure, including the solar panel structures located at the Civic Centre parking area.

Preliminary observations suggested that strong winds may have contributed to the collapse of sections of the solar installation, affecting several parked municipal and private vehicles. No injuries have been reported at this stage.

Municipal emergency personnel, Disaster Management, Electrical Services, and the Community Services Department were dispatched  to secure the affected area and conduct immediate safety assessments. The municipality has cordoned off the parking area to prevent further risk while technical teams evaluate the extent of the structural damage.

“While preliminary reports suggest that strong winds may have contributed to the collapse, we cannot rely solely on early observations. I have therefore directed that structural engineers conduct a thorough and independent assessment to determine the exact cause of the incident.

It is important that we establish the facts and rule out any issues related to the structural design, construction integrity or workmanship of the installation. Once the investigation is concluded, we will take the appropriate steps informed by the findings, ” said the mayor

The municipality urged the employees and the public to avoid the affected area until the site is declared safe.