Millions in Tshwane budget go to east substations upgrades
The substations according to the metro will be completely redesigned in terms of modern design technology that will also include several safety aspects that did not exist before.
The metro has allocated R45-million to upgrade two Pretoria east “high risk” substations to sort out persistent power outages in the area.
R30 million was allocated to the refurbishments and reconstruction of the Wapadrand substation which was destroyed by fire in 2021 and R15-million to the Mooikloof substation ravaged by a blaze in April this year.
According to the metro, the substations will be redesigned to modern standards and include several new safety features.
Upgrades to Wapadrand, which suffered fire damage in 2018 and 2021 resulting in prolonged outages, are expected to improve the reliability of the electricity supply.
The metro said the Mooikloof fire was caused by a faulty 11kV power line outside the substation.
During her budget speech recently Tshwane MMC for Finance Jacqui Uys said the funds are in place to upgrade and maintain these substations.
She said this is also to prevent unexpected power outages.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the allocated amounts are in line with the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework budget.
He said at the Wapadrand substation, the funds will be used for refurbishment of the substation building, supply and installation of new 11kV switchgear panels, batteries and chargers, 132kV protection panels, FOX panels, and yard marshalling kiosks.
The refurbishments to Wapadrand are expected to be completed at the end of October.
Work on the Mooikloof substation has experienced delays.
“The delays were caused by the latest fire which disrupted the already refurbishment work which was in place.”
Mashigo said the metro had recouped some of the funds that had already been spent during the fire from insurance and reinvested them into the rebuild.
He said the city was looking into improving the protection of the substation by installing an ARC-Protection Scheme on the 11kV switchgear panels and separation of 11kV switchgear panel buildings to prevent possible fire incidents.
According to him, most fires that had ravaged the substation were a result of electrical faults in the secondary network.
“The city is working on improving the protection system to ensure that the faults are isolated within the secondary network before they reach primary substations.”
Mashigo said Tshwane substations were designed and built to local and international best practices and standards.
“Subsequently, there is no electrical equipment that is immune to possible fire damage as a result of potential acts of theft, vandalism or malicious damage,” said Mashigo.
He said similar upgrades to Mooikloof will be made.
“To ensure transparency and accountability, Tshwane will implement regular reporting on the CAPS system, make financial statements available on the SAP system, and provide regular reports to senior management,” said Mashigo
He added that the projects will also be subject to audits by the internal audit team and the Auditor General.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of the next financial year, which starts on July 1.
He said though work at Mooikloof has been delayed, the team was still working hard to stick to timelines.
Mashigo added that the upgraded substations will feature advanced technology, including 11kV metal-enclosed switchgear, which allows for safer operations and reduces the risk of damage to connectors.
DA Caucus spokesperson Kwena Moloto commended the city for investing in the upgrades.
“We fully support the decision for almost half of the city’s capital budget to go towards the electricity grid and water infrastructure.”
He said upgrading substations would ensure uninterrupted power supply to residents.
Moloto said water and electricity are the lifeblood of any economy.
“This is a milestone and a commitment not only to delivering on the basics of keeping the lights on but also a commitment to the growth of Tshwane’s economy.
A further R50-million has been allocated to the Mayoral Energy Task Team to aid in our efforts to lease out the Pretoria West and Rooiwall power stations, to secure 1 000MW of power.
This move to secure energy independence from Eskom will supercharge Tshwane’s economy, with the potential to create tens of thousands of real jobs,” he said.
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