Work has started on a new major project to upgrade the Boksburg electricity infrastructure to meet the projected high electricity demand in the city.
It’s all part of the plan to upgrade the electrical system to cope with the about 22 000 homes to be built in Reiger Park, Parkdene and Sunward Park as part of the mega Leeuwpoort housing project.
Contractors have recently commenced work in Reiger Park where they are expected to replace the ageing electricity infrastructure.
According to Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe, the planned maintenance work entails the installation of new panels at Reiger Park substation 117, which is located next to Eskom’s Central Vertical substation.
The Advertiser understands that the old underground power cables supplying the townships and surrounding areas will also be replaced and that arrangements will be put in place to ensure that the cable is not prone to thieves.
The Ward 34 councillor Charlie Crawford welcomed the plan saying the current electricity infrastructure has already proved inadequate to meet the growing demand.
This, therefore, necessitated that the system is upgraded even before the new homes arrive.
“It’s time for an upgrade to a more reliable electricity supply. The electric power system has been in desperate need of upgrading to meet the growing demands here.
“On account of the coming mega housing projects, council has no choice but to improve power supply reliability in Reiger Park, Parkdene and Sunward Park to meet the projected increased electricity demand in the designated supply areas,” said Crawford.
The metro also indicated that electricity supply in Reiger Park areas will, during the process, be interrupted.
Boksburg is known for constant power failures, stemming from cable and electricity theft, as well as key facilities and electrical equipment that are ageing throughout the city.
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