South Africa, Mpophomeni: Power reliability in Mpophomeni, South Africa, is set for a major boost as the uMngeni Municipality’s uMthinzima substation project passes the halfway mark. The $3.5 M (R60 M) initiative, funded through the Department of Minerals and Energy’s Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) and implemented by Asande Projects Consulting and Engineering, is now just over 50 % complete.
For thousands of residents and businesses that have faced years of capacity strain and frequent supply interruptions, the new substation promises a more stable and reliable electricity network, which is a critical step as the township continues to grow rapidly.
Municipal officials inspected the construction site this week, with transformer installation scheduled for next month. Once completed by June next year, the facility will add 20 MVA of power capacity, effectively doubling Mpophomeni’s electricity supply and enabling further residential, commercial, and industrial expansion.
The project includes an Eskom 88 kV switching yard and a uMngeni Municipality 88 / 11 kV substation yard, equipped with a 20 MVA transformer, five 11 kV feeder bays, and modern control rooms. It will connect to the existing Cedara–Elandskop 88 kV line via new double-circuit towers installed under Eskom’s network development works.
According to a consultant’s report, “The new substation will provide the necessary capacity for continued development, while freeing up Eskom’s infrastructure for its own network requirements.”
The municipality has also engaged with a local family affected by the new transmission route, with relocation plans underway to ensure a safe and fair process.
Source: The Witness
