R3,8m Kensington underground electricity cable project under way
14 March 2024
The City’s R3,8 million underground electricity cable project in Kensington is under way as one of the City’s interventions to tackle the crisis-levels of load-shedding-driven vandalism across the metro. The project will be completed by April 2024, if all goes as planned. More than 5 500 metres of overhead electricity conductors as well as 42 transmission poles are being removed and will be replaced with 5 315 metres underground cable.
The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen and senior Energy officials visited Kensington to have a look at the project's progress.
'The Kensington underground cable project aims to reduce the incidence and the risk associated with vandalism. The upgrades in the area will also assist with greater electricity efficiency. The project roll out 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.
'Once the project in Kensington is completed, it will greatly improve the infrastructure reliability, area aesthetics and safety. The City continues to invest in communities and deliver top-notch service in all areas in the city. The Energy Directorate also continues with its upgrading and maintenance programme of critical electricity infrastructure in the city and in the last financial year achieved a record breaking 96,86% of its R1 billion Capital Budget Spend for the year, which is a clear indication of our performance and service delivery,' said Councillor Van Reenen.
Benefits of underground power infrastructure:
- Improved reliability
Underground cable infrastructure is less susceptible to weather related faults such as storms and falling trees.
- Visually appealing
Underground cable eliminates the need for poles and overhead power lines in an area, which greatly improves the visual appeal of an urban area.
- Safety
Underground cabling reduces the risk of electrical accidents from people, cars and animals coming into contact with the power lines. It also holds potential to reduce the risk of vandalism.
Let's ACT to protect our community infrastructure and by reporting to the authorities we can make a difference!
Report all suspicious activities at or near electricity infrastructure to the City's law enforcement agencies or the City's Fraud Hotline on 0800 1100 77 or to the SAPS. The SAPS remains the lead authority in crime prevention.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
