An upgrade to Lokoza Intake Substation in Alton should conclude in April, generating approximately
R2-million in additional revenue for the City of uMhlathuze.

City of uMhlathuze’s Deputy City Manager for Electrical and Energy Services, Dolf Marais, says the project follows years of persistent cable vandalism along the 3.5km route, supplying electricity from the substation towards Lake Nsezi.

This will improve reliability of the electricity network, and increase capacity with cables able to handle three times the original load.

On Wednesday, City Speaker Tobias Gumede led a site visit with city officials and the media.

Speaking on the tour, Marais said the extent of the damage had become increasingly difficult to manage, with repeated incidents disrupting supply.

Last February, he said both cables were stolen, prompting the municipality to seek assistance from Mondi.

While upgrades were in the pipeline, the shutdown by Mondi in October accelerated the rollout of the project.

Work began in October, with 1.2km of cable successfully reinstated to a feeder to restore supply. As part of efforts to safeguard the infrastructure, 24-hour armed security was deployed.

Despite this, attempted vandalism incidents were still recorded.

A key intervention includes casting a 200mm concrete layer over both cables – costing over R2 million – to prevent further theft and damage.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with Umgeni Water and includes upgrading the cables to accommodate future infrastructure demands.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer