- Eskom unveiled the R86 million De Nova Substation in Kraaifontein to improve power stability in the area.
- The substation will ease the load on the Scottsdene substation and provide critical support for local developments like the Maroela housing project.
- Despite challenges during construction, the project is set to meet growing energy demands efficiently.
Last Tuesday saw the long awaited official opening of the new R86 million De Nova Substation in Kraaifontein.
The new critical infrastructure project is designed to support regional development and improve power stability in the surrounding areas. This includes the new City housing project in Maroela, where residents have been without power for more than a year.
Eskom earlier this year apologised to this Kraaifontein community citing the logistical challenges and supply chain issues as factors that hindered the electrification timeline.
The main construction phase of the project, involving the building of the Denova substation and the high voltage line, were completed at the end of September.
Opening
Attending the opening, Eskom Cape coastal cluster general manager Mbulelo Yedwa said the newly constructed 132/11kV 2x40MVA substation will help de-load the overextended Scottsdene substation, to better service delivery and meet future development demands.
He added that the Scottsdene substation has been operating at maximum capacity, creating the need for a de-loading solution to accommodate both current and anticipated load increases in the area.
According to an Eskom spokesperson, Kyle Cookson, De Nova substation, which is located on the Muldersvlei-Stikland line, is designed to provide this critical support, with 11kV interconnections enabling efficient load transfer from Scottsdene to De Nova.
“The construction of the line posed significant challenges, with waterlogged terrain along the servitude hindering progress, particularly during the April and November rainy seasons. To address this, the construction team utilised dewatering methods and strategically placed rubber mats and conveyor belts to allow trucks and equipment to access key construction sites. By adjusting their schedule and working in lower-water-table areas first, the team successfully minimized delays,” he said.
He said local partnerships were essential to the success of De Nova and required Eskom to collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure that all stakeholders and the community are well informed of the progress.
