FOLLOWING a recent enquiry into the Winklespruit electrical substation, situated between Superspar Winkle and the Winklespruit taxi rank, the eThekwini Municipality has scheduled the building for demolition and a new distribution substation will be constructed in its place to meet the community’s growing need for electricity supply.

Also read: Abandoned Winklespruit electrical substation left to rot

The substation building and property, which has fallen out of use for years, has been used by impoverished homeless individuals as an informal residence.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana explained that the site at 16 Winklespruit Road is owned by the eThekwini Municipality Electricity Department.

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge, as well as Safer Cities, Metro Police, Cleansing and Solid Waste, and the Development Planning, Environment and Management unit have been informed of the situation at the substation and a report has been submitted to the electricity department regarding the need for urgent intervention.

“The matter requires collaborative action and the municipality will ensure that it is resolved timeously to minimise any public health impacts. Regarding the future plans for the site, it should be noted that two temporary switch pillars are currently in place outside the Winklespruit Substation. This is an intentional measure, as the existing Winklespruit Substation building is scheduled for demolition to give way to a new distribution substation,” said Sisilana.

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