David Shapshak
Millions of South Africans could find themselves without electricity when the millennium rolls over as many local authorities are not ready for the year 2000 (Y2K) phenomenon. These power failures and blackouts – and the failure of other essential services such as water supply – could have “devastating” impacts, according to a confidential report by Eskom.
An Eskom Y2K investigation found that while only a few technical systems will be affected, “the failure of those systems can have a dramatic impact”.
The report warns about the collapse of accounting software used by local authorities and other administrative systems, as well as the distribution systems used by the local councils to deliver electricity.
Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting Jay Naidoo told Parliament this week that local authorities were the least advanced in dealing with the Y2K problem. Hardest hit are likely to be small and rural councils, who Naidoo says are slow on implementing solutions. Fifty of the 843 councils are being considered a crisis “because they have no programme, no plans and no budget allocated to Y2K”.
Local authorities and government departments were about 30% compliant, with correctional services, communications, arts and science, and housing having completed their Y2K programmes, said Naidoo.
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