The DA targets Streetlight Repairs while continuing to Fight for Electricity Stability in Kempton Park
by Cllr. Jaco Terblanche — DA Ward 16 Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 26 June 2023
Release: Immediate
Type: Press Statement
In February 2022 the Multi-Party Coalition saw the urgent need to replace the old 66KV cable stretching from Cargo Substation to Aston Manor Substation after it left the residents of Kempton Park without power for days on end after loadshedding. The replacement of the cable came as a response to a petition by the DA in 2019 and a letter written to NERSA requesting the stabilisation of the electricity grid in Kempton Park.
The old 66KV cable was installed in the 1970s and used archaic oil-insulated technology which was susceptible to frequent failure and therefore had to be upgraded. In the past, Kempton Park residents would be left without power for several days as the equipment and parts for this type of infrastructure were difficult to source. There were also a limited number of service providers with the expertise to rectify such faults, which significantly affected electricity restoration times.
The project started in February 2023 and saw the 3km long old 66KV cable being replaced with the latest cable technology. The circuit (cable) was launched (energised) in March 2023. According to the responses received from the MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Cllr. Leshaka Manamela, to the questions asked in Council, Secrete Steps Trading (PTY) Ltd were appointed to replace the cable and were paid approximately R44 million (R44 000 000) for the installation and testing of the 66KV Cable. With the new cable installed, there have been fewer power outages in the area and significant improvements in electricity restoration times.
The DA is satisfied that the cable and equipment were tested on 21 February 2023. However, when the department was requested to provide copies of the relevant test certifications of the appointed service provider, the department was unable to provide proof of these certifications. The department could also not confirm whether the testing complied with the relevant standards. The MMC stated that “no test certificates were issued, cables are energised and if the Protection, Test & Metering section is satisfied that the cable and equipment passed, the insulation breakdown test and other relevant tests are conducted.
Although the installation of the cable has brought stability to the electricity supply in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park CBD, Aston Manor, OR Tambo International Airport, Nimrod Park, Glen Marais, Pomona and Bonaero Park, the lack of certifications calls into question the qualifications and experience of the service provider, the quality and level of workmanship, and whether the cable would be able to stand the test of time. The DA will continue to monitor the stability of the grid and will continue to push for upgrades to be made to the network and substations in the area.
Another issue on our radar is the lack of functional streetlights in the area. A survey conducted in the ward revealed over 300 non-functioning streetlights. Most of these streetlights have not been functional for over a year and has significantly affected visibility in the area. With crime being an ever-present concern in the ward, the DA has been applying pressure on the department to have these streetlights repaired. At the Service Delivery Meeting held on 14 June 2023, the officials in the Energy Department revealed that they do not have the necessary material available to repair the streetlights and that streetlight repairs were not prioritised by the administration in terms of funding.
The vandalism of streetlights by copper thieves is one of the biggest problems in the ward. I have handed over a memorandum on behalf of our residents to the Kempton Park SAPS to request more police visibility in our area so that our electricity infrastructure like streetlights and substations is protected. When I conducted a follow-up on the implementation of the memorandum, I was told that this was not part of their mandate at station level and that it could only be dealt with at district level. I have, however, submitted the memorandum to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Parliament for action. I am now awaiting feedback from these structures.
In the interim, we request that the Energy Department looks into technology that will safeguard the streetlights, electricity cables and substations from acts of theft and vandalism. With loadshedding becoming a permanent feature in our country, the Department should consider installing solar streetlights to provide much need visibility in our communities during power outages. This will also reduce the electricity load on the grid, which could contribute significantly to the reduction in electricity consumption across the City.
We have vowed to give our people their ‘power back’ during elections. This is the promise we intend to keep. The DA will continue to fight to ensure a stable electricity supply in Kempton Park and that our municipal infrastructure is adequately maintained and protected.
Cllr. Jaco Terblanche
DA Ward 16 Councillor in Ekurhuleni
083 413 2420
