The City of Cape Town’s Electricity Services Department has successfully completed an infrastructure upgrade that was necessary to allow for the next phases of work to commence on the Joe Slovo housing project.

This involved replacing the overhead 132 kV power line (OHL) that runs through the area and over the N2 with an underground cable.

This was necessary because the overhead line could not meet the minimum ground clearance conditions that would allow residential development to take place safely.

The project was initially budgeted at R86.82 million, but taking heed of rocketing copper prices, the City’s engineers based the design on aluminium conductors. This brought the cost of the project down to R80.5 million – a total saving of R6.32 million.

Not only does this represent a significant cost reduction for the project, but the move to aluminium helps to deter vandalism because the scrap value of aluminium is substantially lower than that of copper.

The cable installation has now been completed and the OHL across the N2 has been removed, one circuit at a time.

“The power line in question is vital to the transmission network, and as such any work on this infrastructure had to be handled carefully in order to minimise disruption of power supply to residents.

“We are thankful that the team’s professionalism and expertise could ensure that the upgrade went off without a hitch,” says Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.

“It is incredibly validating to see large projects that cut across directorates being rolled out successfully, with each department doing their part with the bigger picture in mind,” adds Sonnenberg.

“This housing project aims to transform the area’s informal settlements into a dignified community while minimising the relocation of residents. I am very pleased that the Electricity Services Department is efficiently laying the groundwork that will allow this flagship project the greatest chance of success,” he concludes.