The installation of a new 5km aluminium electricity cable from the Les Smith substation in Commissioner Street is expected to stabilise power supply to the Boksburg East Industrial area as well as residential areas, including Boksburg South, Parkrand and surrounds.

According to City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, a recent spate of cable thefts and vandalism to essential infrastructure has resulted in areas being plunged into darkness.

“Repairs at the sub-station are currently underway, with temporal measures being put into place. Construction for the installation of the new cable will commence on October 15, with expected completion during the first week of November.”

Dlamini said in an effort to mitigate future risks and create a resilient electrical supply network, the CoE is actively strengthening the local grid with modern equipment.

“The installation of new cable will provide essential network redundancy and reduce the risk of future cable failures.

“The new cable will be fitted with fibre-optic technology to reduce theft and enable remote monitoring and operation in the future.”

He further emphasised that measures have been put into place to ensure reliable power supply throughout the infrastructure upgrade operations and that power interruptions are not expected.

“Commissioning of the new cable will take place along an alternative route and will not impact the existing operational network,” he said.

“We remain committed to protecting municipal infrastructure and the provision of reliable power supply to all its customers.”

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