WORK on the new substation in Glenwood is progressing well despite the face that recent heavy rains pushed back the construction schedule by a month.
It is hoped that once operational, power outages in the Glenwood areas will become a thing of the past.
According to community liaison officer on site, Thembisa Sokutu, the substation is expected to be completed by December.
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Ward 33 councillor, Mmabatho Tembe, said she was pleased with the progress made on site and believed that once completed, it would bring great relief to residents who have suffered continuous power outages in the ward over the past year.
“Residents have approached me with concerns over the size of the building and any health issues related to the substation which is being constructed in proximity to neighbouring flats and homes.”
“The project has been approved by council and I have been assured there will be no health or environmental issues related to it,” she said.
Building started on the site owned by the municipality in July 2016, a project which had been in the pipeline since 2013. At the time, local minister, Reverend Dean Meistre expressed his shock and concern after eThekwini Municipality failed to consult with the church over the piece of ground the Glenwood Community Church had rented from the city for 20 years and which was used by parishioners for parking.
At the time, Meistre expressed his concern about the environmental impact of the substation.
The design of the substation is a modern, red brick and exposed polished concrete structure, with steel windows and steel accents.
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It will also incorporate safety fencing between the buildings which will double as a planter feature for creeper plants.
It has been designed to blend into the surrounding residential area and not pose a nuisance to neighbours with the transformers placed underground in an attempt to cut out any noise.
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Tozi Mthethwa, head of communications at eThekwini Municipality, said the Bulwer substation would serve to improve the quality of supply to the area and would cater for future growth and serve to reinforce the high voltage electricity grid.
She said an environmental impact assessment was not required in terms of the National Environmental Management Act.
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