VIDEO: Wheatlands’ electrical infrastructure upgraded

Councillor: I would just like to thank everyone at the municipality who have made this upgrade possible.

Alwyn van Tonder at the site of where some of Wheatlands' poles are being replaced.

For years Wheatlands has had problems with electricity due to the area’s tired infrastructure.

There is now the light at the end of the tunnel as the area is currently in phase 1 of the upgrades it will be receiving.

Wooden electricity poles on Roads 1 and 9 which were the two roads with the biggest problems have been replaced with concrete poles. The new poles will make for sturdier poles which will hold in the wind and will not be as susceptible to veld fires.

Alwyn van Tonder, DA Ward 3 Councillor has fought since 2010 which marked the start of his first term to get electrical infrastructure upgrades in the area. After six years and in his second term, van Tonder has finally received some of the upgrades he has been asking for.

R2 million of the town’s budget was given towards the upgrading of Wheatlands’ electrical infrastructure in the previous financial year (2015/ 2016) and an additional R2 million has been allocated for this financial year (2016/ 2017).

Municipal workers replacing Wheatlands’ old wooden poles with new concrete ones.

Van Tonder said at this point it is not clear when construction will conclude but he is confident it will not drag out. He did, however, warn that residents in the area will experience a power outage on 16 and 18 August between 8am to 5pm. The outage is due to the switch over from the old equipment to the new, he said.

Van Tonder asks residents to be patient and understanding during the outages as it is necessary for the upgrade to be completed.

The upgrade will also make the first win for Van Tonder since his reelection as ward councillor in his area. The passionate councillor is excited to tackle new problems within his area as well as the ones that will carry over from his previous term.

“I would just like to thank everyone at the municipality who have made this upgrade possible. Really, a job well done,” He said.

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