City undertakes underground cabling project in parts of Pinelands
31 May 2026
The City’s Energy Directorate is undertaking its R3,2 million project to convert overhead electricity infrastructure to underground infrastructure in Pinelands. This initiative, which includes the undergrounding of cables and broader network upgrades, forms part of the City’s ongoing investment in strengthening and modernising the electricity grid across all areas of the metro.
‘This project forms part of the City’s R4 billion medium-term capital investment programme to significantly improve the strength and reliability of our electricity distribution network across the metro. In areas already completed, we are seeing immediate benefits including reduced power interruptions and resilience during severe weather episodes. In addition to this work, teams are also undertaking streetlight maintenance and upgrades to further enhance services in the community.
‘Our teams are working efficiently to complete the project ahead of schedule, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents. The City’s continued investment in underground infrastructure is also important to protecting valuable assets and securing a reliable electricity service for both residents and businesses.
‘Importantly, the transition from overhead to underground cabling is driven by our resilience strategy, as cables require less maintenance and aren’t exposed to environmental hazards which typically affect overhead conductors. A further benefit is the reduction of costs associated with cable theft, illegal connections, and vandalism, as underground infrastructure is less susceptible to opportunistic damage and illegal tampering. We thank residents for their support while the project is being completed and look forward to implementing similar upgrades in more areas in the coming months,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
Benefits of underground power infrastructure:
- Underground cable infrastructure is less susceptible to weather related faults, such as storms and falling trees.
- Underground cabling reduces the risk of electrical accidents from people, cars and animals encountering the power lines. It also holds the potential to reduce the risk of vandalism and theft.
- Underground cable eliminates the need for poles and overhead power lines in an area, which greatly improves the visual appeal of an urban area.
Report to the City
Streetlight and electricity faults:
Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power against theft, illegal connections and vandalism
- Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre: 021 480 7700
- Report illegal scrap yards to the ‘Copperheads’: 0800 222 771 (toll free, 24/7, anonymous tip-offs)
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
