Tshwane committee flags Mooikloof and Wapadrand substations delays

The Section 79 Oversight Committee chairperson for Utility Services in Tshwane has expressed concerns over the delays in completing the refurbishment of the Wapadrand and Mooikloof substations.

Chairperson of the Committee Flora Monama revealed this on March 11, during her oversight visits to the two east of Pretoria substations previously ravaged by fire.

Monama expressed concerns about the projects being delayed and not completed on time.

Today, we made an oversight visit to two critical infrastructure capital projects; Mooikloof Substation and Wapadrand Substation in Pretoria East. Both substations were gutted by fires and are undergoing refurbishment. We are confident about the progress being made on site… pic.twitter.com/kRTqyivvOR

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) February 12, 2025

“As an oversight committee, we are concerned that projects are never completed in the stipulated completion dates and extensions are always granted to contractors.”

She said residents of Pretoria east will benefit from these refurbishments as they will minimise outages.

She said the refurbishment includes the supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of new equipment.

“The commissioning of the new equipment is currently [at] 75% at Mooikloof Substation and 45% at Wapadrand Substation.”

Monama added that security camera systems have also been installed at the two substations to minimise theft and vandalism.

She stated that for the city to perform optimally, these substations need to be functional.

“The Section 79 Committee will continue to monitor the progress being made and ensure a timeous completion,” she emphasised.

MMC for Utility Services (Water & Electricity) this morning , he visited Mooikloof Substation & Wapadrand Substation joined by EM & EED Top Management & Cllrs to conduct site inspection #REaspana @CityTshwane @nasiphim pic.twitter.com/pR7k8jBe6x

— MMC Frans Boshielo (@MMCBoshielo) February 12, 2025

The refurbishment was supposed to be completed in December last year but has since been pushed back to November 2025.

The metro has allocated millions of rand to rehabilitate Pretoria east substations to sort out persistent power outages in the area.

R30-million was allocated to the refurbishments and reconstruction of the Wapadrand Substation which was destroyed by fire in 2021.

There’s a serious issue in Pretoria East with those substations. A year to two ago it was the Wapadrand Substation was on fire and people spend days without electricity. Now it is the Mooikloof Substation.

— Mmina Tau (@MarogaKR) April 19, 2024

In January MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo said the city understands the importance of the timely completion of this project.

“We acknowledge that there have been a few factors that have contributed to an extension of the construction schedule.”

He offered clarity on the reasons for the delay and the actions being taken to address the situation.

“We understand the significance of this project for the Wapadrand community and are committed to delivering a high-quality state-of-the-art substation that will serve as a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the city.”

Boshielo said the recent substation fire incident highlighted the importance of enhancing safety measures.

He said the delay was caused by the changes to the scope of the project and lead time for material delivery.

“Due to global supply chain disruptions of relay microchips, including other accessories, the delivery of essential materials and equipment has been delayed.

“However, we are actively working with the manufacturers to mitigate these challenges and ensure that all necessary components are delivered within the prescribed time frames.

“This includes intensive work to streamline processes and meet revised deadlines without compromising on safety or quality.”

He said the construction of the substation is divided into three stages and the completion of Stage C will play a crucial role in ensuring continuity of service.

Boshielo said this stage allows for part of the substation load to be transferred in the event of an emergency.

He said the Stage A and B panels will be delivered on or before August 31 as per the manufacturer’s commitment.

“With that in mind, the expected practical completion date should be November 2025.”

Stage C is expected to be completed and energised in March.

Boshielo said the city is fully committed to completing the Wapadrand Substation project, which will not only improve the power supply in the area but also set the standard for future substations in Tshwane.

“Our goal is to deliver a world-class facility to the Wapadrand community – one that will serve as a model of innovation and reliability for future projects.”

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