Concerns raised over Kempton power supply
The issue of functional streetlights is a problem around Kempton Park.
Kempton Park’s electricity woes are an ongoing problem.
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A project to upgrade the electricity grid in Kempton Park started in February this year.
It was launched in March with the replacement of the old 66KV cable with the latest cable technology. Ward 16 Clr Jaco Terblanche expressed concerns on whether it will stand the test of time.
“Although the installation of the cable has brought stability to the electricity supply around Kempton Park, the lack of certifications calls into question the qualification and experience of the service provider, the quality and workmanship, and whether the cable will stand the test of time,” he said.
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According to Terblanche, the department could also not confirm whether the testing complied with the relevant standards.
They replaced the cable after the residents of Kempton Park were without power for days after load-shedding.
The cable replacement came as a response to a petition by the DA in 2019 and a letter written to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) requesting the stabilisation of the electricity grid in Kempton Park.
Another concern for Terblanche is a lack of functional streetlights around the city.
“Streetlights are being stolen in the area, with the response from the local police and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) not swift enough.”
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According to Terblanche, he handed over a memorandum on behalf of the community to the Kempton Park SAPS, to request more police visibility in the area to ensure the protection of electricity infrastructure like streetlights and substations.
“With load-shedding becoming a permanent feature in our country, the department should consider installing solar streetlights to provide much-needed 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”, he added.
The spokesperson for the CoE, Zweli Dlaminisaid funding for new streetlights have been made available. They will provide a breakdown once the department has completed allocations.
“We always try to protect the infrastructure, but the theft persists.
“That is why we are currently looking at moving from utilising copper cables to using copper alternatives such as aerial bundle conductors (ABC) and bare conductors (ACSR),” he said.
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On the solar streetlights idea, Dlamini said the city annually usually sends requests to the renewable energy department to assist with either new LED projects or solar light projects.
“In this current financial year 2022/23, they managed to install six solar high masts, equivalent to 36 solar LED fittings, in different areas, assisted by the renewable energy division.
“The city is investigating the issue of alternative energy sources, especially considering the state of power supply in the country,” said Dlamini.
