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R200m For Eastern Cape Power Projects
| Author: |
engineeringnews.co.za |
| Date: |
2002-04-13 00:00:00 |
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Power utility Eskom will invest a total of R200-million on growing and improving the Eastern Cape?s electricity supply during this year alone.
Among several key projects earmarked for the Eastern Cape during 2002 is the establishment of a new major route in the Albany district, refurbishment of network to tens of coastal and inland towns, the building of supply capacity to the nodal growth point of Flagstaff and power supply enhancement to the citrus-rich Sundays River Valley.
Eskom regional engineering manager, Willie De Beer, said these and many other projects to be completed this year would ensure a more consistent and reliable electricity supply for customers and a network less prone to failure.
Since 1994 Eskom has invested a massive R2,1-billion in the region?s growing network and erected over 21 000 km of power lines at an average of 2 333 km a year, or 194 km a month.
This year, Eskom has put aside R109-million for various electrification projects that will bring electricity for the first time to over 26 000 homes and businessess across the Eastern Cape.
"The new lines will aid in creating a power supply exceeding the anticipated demand and enhance the quality of life to communities throughout the province," De Beer said.
Eskom has also planned to bring electricity for the first time to 282 under-serviced schools in the region during the current financial year.
Since 1994 R39-million has been devoted to bringing electricity for the first time to 1 041 schools in the Eastern Cape.
In order to refurbish and strengthen the region?s network, Eskom has budgeted R93-million for 2002.
These projects include maintenance and upgrading of the existing network within the Eastern Cape.
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