R1.2-billion aimed for improvement of Tshwane ageing electrical and water infrastructure
Presenting the draft budget at council on Thursday, mayor Randall Williams said in the 2020/21 financial year Auditor General report once gain raised concerns over electricity and water financial losses.
About R1.2-billion has been earmarked for refurbishing ageing Tshwane water and electricity in the municipality’s new financial year budget, which comes into effect in July.
Presenting the draft budget at the council on Thursday, mayor Randall Williams said the 2020/21 financial year Auditor General report raised concerns over electricity and water financial losses.
This was not the first time the Auditor General’s report raised concerns over unprotected infrastructure, water and electricity losses being costly.
Williams said the losses were largely due to ageing infrastructure, illegal connections and electricity theft.
He said the metro intended to address all ageing infrastructure to improve service delivery and curb financial losses in the new financial year.
“We have allocated 42%, approximately R1,2-billion, towards the prioritisation of the electrical grid and water infrastructure in Tshwane.
“This includes the refurbishment of the Mooikloof, Wapadrand, Pyramid, Kentron and Rosslyn substations,” Williams said.
Williams said he was happy about the start of the R134-million Wapadrand refurbishment project.
“It is common knowledge that the Wapadrand station is vulnerable. It easily catches fire and suffers from frequent critical equipment breakdowns. This project is one of many to come,” he said.
Ongoing implementation of prepaid electricity meters and cutting off illegal connections would assist the metro in recovering financial losses, Williams said.
Breakdown of substations that experienced fire outbreaks:
In July 2021: Wapadrand caught fire
In August 2021: Roslyn caught fire
In December 2021: Mooikloof caught fire
In December 2021: Kloofsig caught fire
The municipality also wanted to connect 4 700 new dwellings to the electricity grid in the budget.
“We intend to construct new reservoirs in Booysens and run water reticulation projects to vulnerable communities in Kopanong, Phomolong and Zithobeni, while facilitating 5 500 new water meters and 1 800 new sewer connections.
“Our wastewater infrastructure is critical, which is why we intend to upgrade wastewater plants in Sunderland Ridge, Klipgat, Ekangala and Rooiwal. Our second-biggest allocation of R690-million is towards the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure and public transportation.”
After much bickering by the parties, the council approved the draft budget for the 2022/23 financial year and the Integrated Development Plan for public participation.
Vanessa de Sousa, the spokesperson for the Office of the Speaker, said the metro would embark on the Public Participation Process, from April 5 for comments, which closes on May 5.
“This will be done through public meetings throughout Tshwane’s seven regions. It will consist of both regional in-person and virtual meetings. This will ensure that all residents are given the opportunity to partake in this process that has a direct impact on their lives by commenting on developments that they require in their respective wards and on proposed tariff increases, which will come into effect on July 1.”
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