AS PART of an effort to save Gauteng from the damaging impact of load shedding and the overall energy shortages, City Power has decided to show up for local municipalities with advancements.
The City of Joburg entity has started rolling out the programme of the installation of transformers, solar high mast lights, and smart meters in various local municipalities in early December.
According to the entity, the work of installing a total of 6 000 smart meters, 60 transformers and 45 solar high mast lights in Rand West, Merafong, Lesedi, and Mogale City, among other municipalities, is at an advanced stage, with the bulk of tasks already completed way ahead of scheduled deadlines.
“We are pleased with the progress and commend our team of dedicated workers who have managed to deliver this project ahead of schedule.
“Ours is about collective excellence knowing that as municipalities in Gauteng, we face a common crisis of energy shortage and load shedding, and with the support of the provincial government, we are moving at high speed to ensure we cushion the residents of Gauteng from the impact of load shedding,” City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava said.
She added that the project was initially scheduled to be completed at the end of January 2024, which seemed like a tight timeframe in the beginning.
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The first of many more solar high masts and new transformers in the Zenzele informal settlement was welcomed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
This area has been without electricity for years after it was electrified, and the transformer kept blowing up, leaving residents in the dark for a prolonged period.
However, this has become a thing of the past as a new transformer has been brought into the area as part of the province's energy plan.
Lesufi urged the locals to take care of them.
“From here onwards, we ask that you take care of this transformers and not allow anyone to come and steal it, because they will be stealing electricity from you.”
“We also urge that you buy electricity from authorised establishments. No one must come here claiming to be selling electricity units at a cheaper price. That’s illegal and that person must be reported.” Lesufi said to the community.
In the meantime, Board chairman of City Power Bonolo Ramokhele, said the high mast lights will address various challenges in different communities, such as crime, especially during load shedding.
"These installed solar lights here in the Rand West, which we are also rolling out in other municipalities, will assist in dealing with crime as they improve visibility at night, particularly during load shedding.
“These solar powered lights will also help in making human settlement more habitable,” he said.
