Undersea cable cut: SAT-3 to be restored in second week of April – NCA

The National Communication Authority (NCA), in its latest update on the repair works on the undersea submarine cable cuts, indicates that the SAT-3 cable will be restored in the second week of April.

NCA added that the three other cables will be restored on May 9, 2024, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The NCA said it engaged with the four Submarine Cable Service Providers (SAT-3, ACE, WACS and MainOne) to receive updates on the progress of the repair works.

All four cables were cut, causing internet disruptions on Thursday, March 14.

“SAT-3 reported that their repair vessel set sail on 19th March, 2024, from Cape Town, South Africa and that the vessel is expected to be within the vicinity of the fault area on 29th March, 2024. Repair work will begin immediately.

“SAT-3 expects that the repair works will be completed by the second week of April, barring
any unforeseen circumstances,” the statement said.

Regarding the other three cables, the NCA said “MainOne, WACS and ACE reported that they are working together and have jointly commissioned a repair vessel. This second repair vessel set sail from London, UK, on 24th March, 2024, and is enroute to the first point of call by 8th April, 2024. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the expected time of restoration of the cables would be 9th May, 2024.”

The statement added, “The general public is reminded to note that these dates are tentative and that the Authority will issue an update in the event of new developments.”