Residents of Ward 105 and the greater Brakpan area can welcome a long-awaited electricity infrastructure upgrade at the Van Eck Park Substation aimed at improving power reliability across the town.

For years Brakpan has experienced recurring outages and network failures.

According to Ward 105 Clr Annette Verster, this upgrade follows sustained pressure, including a widely supported petition, as well as her own ongoing efforts, which have consistently pushed for urgent intervention and infrastructure investment.

She explained the project will involve the replacement of old oil-filled cables with modern high-capacity 33kV aluminium XLPE underground cables.

“These new cables will run between the Van Eck Park Substation and both the Dalpark and Vulcania substations,” she said.

“In addition multiple ring main units will be installed along the routes to strengthen the network and new HDPE ducting with manholes will be constructed to support the system.

“All cables will be installed according to national standards and existing infrastructure will be properly sealed to prevent water ingress, a key contributor to past failures.

“While this upgrade is a major win for residents there will be temporary inconvenience during construction.

“Over the coming months contractors will be working in various residential areas laying underground cables along servitudes including pavements and public spaces.”

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Residents can expect some disruption, however, all affected areas will be reinstated once work is completed.

“The city has committed to ensuring proper communication throughout the project so that residents are kept informed of progress and any impacts,” said Verster.

“The DA will continue to monitor the rollout closely to ensure the project is completed efficiently, disruptions are minimised and contractors are held accountable.

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