Groutville electrical substation goes live

Relief for motorists as fuel prices drop

KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca has unveiled a highcapacity power sub-station in Groutville that will ensure energy stability for thousands.

The official opening of the substation, took place on Thursday last week.

The multimillion project is named General Gizenga Mpanza, the late struggle stalwart and Army General of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) who hailed from Groutville.

“Today, we honour a gallant fighter who was imprisoned on Robben Island for 15 years.

General Gizenga dedicated his life towards consolidating political power for the advancement of the liberation struggle. We wish to honour his life and legacy just as equal to his efforts and commitments of realising a non-racial, nonsexist, and democratic South Africa.

“The Gizenga sub-station will significantly reduce overload and tripping that had been experienced in the past.

The municipality will be able to monitor load demand and breakdown period. We are also happy that this project is being unlocked at a time where KwaDukuza is in the cusp of implementing the SCADA system which will allow for remote monitoring and control of several other sub-stations,” said Nhaca. The co-funded facility was constructed in response to the rapidly growing population and electricity demand. National Treasury for providing a portion of the funding, to the tune of R26 million, through its programme called the National Development Partnership Grant. The total value of the project amounts to

R65 million, with the balance of R45 million being funded by the Council of KwaDukuza.

The Gizenga sub-station will strengthen supply of electricity to the following areas: Ward 07, 09, 29, 10, 14, 15 & 24. These areas include Thembeni, Dube Village, Groutville Mission, Charlottedale, Umfolozi TVET College and Malende.

The project since its inception has created over 45 jobs for the local community. More than eight subcontractors benefitted with each providing various services ranging from site security, brick laying, civil, plant hire, electrical installation. The construction of the substation began in 2021.