The City’s Energy Directorate has completed electricity infrastructure upgrades in Lwandle, Strand, including the installation of electricity kiosks and pole-mounted substations in the area.

The City’s Mayco member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said the community investment forms part of the City’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the electricity grid across the metro.

R2.3 million investment strengthens local power supply

“The upgrades included the replacement of 160kVA pole-mounted transformers with 500kVA ground-mounted mini-substations, significantly improving the capacity and resilience of the local distribution network. The investment, totalling R2.3 million, was also designed using a ring-feed approach, ensuring an alternative supply path should the main feed experience an unplanned fault,” said Limberg.

She said the new infrastructure incorporates modern gas-insulated ring main units, replacing older oil-based equipment and representing a significant advancement in network technology. She added that the City is already planning further upgrades for the area.

R4 billion earmarked for electricity network improvements across the City

“The City has dedicated R4 billion as part of its medium-term capital investment programme to improve its electricity distribution network across the City. Our investment in infrastructure reflects our commitment to providing residents and businesses with a reliable electricity supply,” she said.

Limberg stated that the latest upgrade in Lwandle demonstrates the Energy Directorate’s efficient network extension and new service connection planning.

“This ensures the continued delivery of timely approvals and the successful implementation of upgrade applications. We remain dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the electricity grid, ensuring it is resilient and capable of supporting our growing communities for many years to come,” she said.

Limberg noted that the Lwandle area faces several challenges, including illegal electricity connections, vandalism of community infrastructure, and severe encroachment, where some dwellings have been built around public infrastructure. This limits access for repairs and poses serious dangers to residents.

She said the department’s teams are actively rolling out anti-theft and anti-vandalism technology solutions for streetlights and other infrastructure. She stressed that these challenges negatively impact the power supply and encouraged communities to work together to protect electrical infrastructure.

Illegal connections and vandalism remain major challenges

“We are also replacing copper cables with cables that have no scrap value to discourage theft and vandalism. In cases of severe encroachment that prevents our teams from carrying out repairs and maintenance, we will take the necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the electricity network. We ask members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour to us so that we can ‘Protect Your Power’ together,” she explained.

Electrical infrastructure is typically located within communities and is often situated adjacent to private properties.

She said swift reporting of suspicious activities would enable the City to respond quickly and prevent extensive damage to critical infrastructure.