The City of Cape Town’s R3.8 million underground electricity project in Kensington is set for completion by April 2024.
The project aims to tackle the rampant vandalism caused by loadshedding in the metro by removing 42 transmission poles and replacing them with 5 315 metres of underground cable, according to the City.
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The City’s mayoral committee member for energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, says the project aims to reduce the ‘incidence and risk associated with vandalism’.
‘The upgrades in the area will also assist with greater electricity efficiency. The project rollout is making excellent progress and we thank residents for their patience while we complete the work.’
‘Moving to underground electricity cabling from overhead infrastructure has a number of benefits for the community. It is important to note that an overhead to underground blanket roll out may not be immediately feasible in all areas at this stage and it is currently being rolled out where it is possible and feasible to do so,’ she added.
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‘Once the project in Kensington is completed, it will greatly improve the infrastructure reliability, area aesthetics and safety.’
Van Reenen says the Energy Directorate continues with its upgrading and maintenance programme of crucial electricity infrastructure in the City. In the last financial year, it achieved a record-breaking 96.86% of its R1 billion Capital Budget Spend.
The City outlined some of the benefits of underground power infrastructure:
- Improved reliability as it is less susceptible to weather-related faults such as storms and falling trees
- Underground cabling eliminates the need for poles and overhead power lines, improving the overall visual appeal of an urban area
- Underground cabling reduces the risk of electrical accidents and vandalism
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Also read:
City of Cape Town implements measures to combat ‘loadshedding-related vandalism’
Picture: City of Cape Town