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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - A 40 MVA (megavolt-ampere) power substation worth R63-million is on the cards for Thembalethu, and the sod-turning took place last Friday, 1 October.
The amount of electricity the new substation will generate for the communities living in Thembalethu is equivalent to the usage of the whole of George 30 years ago.
The project will unfold over the next three years, and will provide enough additional electricity to make sure the entire Thembalethu is electrified.
The funds have been made available through the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP). For the current financial year (2021/2022), R30-million has been allocated: R20-million through George Municipality (Inep) and R10-million through the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
Joubert Theart of Zutari, the implementing agent, said 8% of the cost of the project was made available for small local contractors to work as sub-contractors under the main contractor. The sub-consultant BDE Consulting Engineers (from George) manages all the electrification work. The main contractor, VE Reticulation, is from Mossel Bay.
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"Several imbizos were held within Thembalethu over the years to inform the community about the project," said Theart. "Locals from the neighbouring Thembalethu wards will assist throughout with the development of the substation."
George Mayor Leon van Wyk said the improvement of infrastructure is currently a focus point in George. "That is what we need if we want to support development," said Van Wyk.
At the sod-turning for the new Thembalethu municipal substation are, at the back from left: Deon Esterhuysen (George Municipality); Chris Spies (George Municipality); Alwyn Huisamen (VE Reticulation); Jurgens Bosman (VE Reticulation); Joubert Theart (Zuthari); and Danie de Vries (BDE Consulting). In front are Director of Electrotechnical Services Bongani Mandala; Cllr Nosicelo Mbete; Mayor Leon van Wyk and Kevin Grunewald (BDE Consulting). Photo: Michelle Pienaar
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