The City’s Energy Directorate carried out electricity infrastructure upgrades in Lwandle, in the Strand, where electricity kiosks and pole-mounted substations were installed in the area. This community investment forms part of the City’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the electricity grid across the metro.
The upgrades included the replacement of 160 kVA pole-mounted transformers with 500 kVA ground-mounted mini-substations, significantly improving the capacity and resilience of the local distribution network. The investment, totalling R 2,3 million, was also designed on a ring-feed approach, ensuring an alternative supply path should the main feed experience an unplanned fault. The new infrastructure incorporates modern gas-insulated ring main units, replacing older oil-based equipment and representing a significant advancement in network technology. Our teams are already making further upgrade plans for the area.
The City has dedicated R4 billion as part of its medium-term capital investment programme to improve its electricity distribution network in the city. Our investment in infrastructure reflects our commitment to providing residents and businesses with a reliable electricity supply. The latest upgrade in Lwandle demonstrates the Energy Directorate’s efficient network extension and new service connection planning.
This ensures the continued delivery of timeous approvals and the successful implementation of upgrade applications. We remain dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the electricity grid, ensuring it is resilient and capable of supporting our growing communities for many years to come.
‘The Lwandle area faces several challenges, including illegal connections, vandalism of community electricity infrastructure, and severe encroachment where some dwellings have been built around public infrastructure, limiting access for repairs and posing great dangers to residents. Our teams are actively rolling out anti-theft and anti-vandalism technology solutions for streetlights and other infrastructure. All of these challenges impact power supply, and we encourage our communities as we stand together to Protect Your Power.
“We are also replacing copper cables with cables that have no scrap value to discourage theft and vandalism. In cases of severe encroachment that prevent our teams from carrying out repairs and maintenance, we will take the necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the electricity network. We ask members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour to us so that we can Protect Your Power together. Electrical infrastructure is typically situated in our communities, often abutting private property. Swift reporting will enable the City to act with speed to prevent extensive damage,” said the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power against theft, illegal connections and vandalism
Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre: 021 480 7700
Report illegal scrap yards to the ‘Copperheads’: 0800 222 771 (toll-free, 24/7, anonymous tip-offs)
