A new substation -the Birkenhead Substation, was launched in the Overstrand Municipality.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, Archie Klaas, Mayor of the Municipality, said it cost R75 million to construct the station, including a R7.1 million Eskom connection fee.
A load growth investigation report back in 2019, confirmed the need for a second supply point to meet rising demand in the Greater Gansbaai area.
Construction then began in August 2022 and was completed by February 2025.
The project included the installation of a 4.7km, 66kV overhead steel monopole power line from the Eskom supply point to a newly constructed 66/11kV indoor substation.
The facility houses a 20MVA transformer, switchgear, and all necessary auxiliary equipment and space for an additional 20MVA transformer in the future.
Klaas recognised key players in the project-,, Stephen Müller, Director of Infrastructure Services, and Danie Maree, former Gansbaai Electrical Department Senior Manager.
Design work was carried out by iX Engineers, with Lyners providing support during implementation.
Adenco Construction oversaw the electrical installation and managed the overall construction process.
As part of the tender requirements, 30% of the construction value was required to be subcontracted to Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs) and Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) registered on the Municipality’s Central Supplier Database.
The project also donated computer equipment valued at R50,000 to Gansbaai Academia High School.
Picture: Supplied