On Thursday, 8 August, various community officials and City Power management personnel joined Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, councillor Herman Mashaba for the opening of the Wilro Park Sub-station after it had undergone significant upgrades costing R131 million.
This substation was one of the 11 major power station refurbishments that City Power is currently working on, and the first of the six planned for the current financial year. Before the refurbishment, the Wilro Park substation had already been in existence for well over 40 years with its equipment being substantially past its average lifespan.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2015/09/02/substation-upgrade-given-the-go-ahead/
It now supplies power to approximately 5 000 domestic and business customers in the areas of Wilro Park, Princess Crossing, Princess, Roodekrans, Helderkruin, and Breaunanda.
The newly appointed councillor for Ward 83, Dr Florence Roberts, delivered the event’s opening remarks, welcoming the attendees and speaking about the positive effect this substation will have on the community. She described the previous electrical state of Roodepoort as frustrating and expressed her hope for the future, saying that this substation will assist in making not only a ward, but a Johannesburg the community can be proud of.
Mashaba agreed with Roberts in his speech, saying that the substantial improvements have brought about the possibility of community development. He also explained that the refurbishments of substations such as Wilro Park are essential to keep up with the rising consumption demand brought on by population growth, especially in Johannesburg. Mashaba stated that he hopes that the sustainable power source will assist in the growth of local businesses, creating employment opportunities and boosting the economy.
The MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Nico de Jager, reiterated the significance of this substation, explaining that before the upgrades, the electricity situation was so rotten, he feared that if Roodepoort lost power, there may not have been a chance to get it back up and running. “I assure you, a year ago we were dreading power going down, now we are happy,” he said.
De Jager explained the positive change is largely due to the capability of the new City Power management, saying that he can step back and trust that the job is getting done. Mashaba agreed with this statement, saying he is extremely impressed with the new management and their ability to deliver quality projects on budget and on time.
The Executive Mayor gave his reaffirming speech and thanked all parties involved in the project before he was joined by the MMC to cut the ribbon, officially marking the opening of this substation.
See video here:
https://www.pscp.tv/CityofJoburgZA/1rmGPeMqryXJN
All who attended were offered a tour, conducted by the project manager Tefo Khama, to see for themselves the tremendous improvements that have been implemented. Various safety measures have been put into place, including systems which allow technicians to operate on the circuit breakers without coming in to contact with the high voltage machinery.
During the media interviews, the Executive Mayor and the MMC were asked if they thought that the substantial amount of taxpayers’ money had been well spent on this substation. Both men responded confidently, saying they did not doubt that matter.
De Jager explained how this substation is not only beneficial for current residents but will continue to be beneficial for future Roodepoort residents as well. Mashaba supported this point, adding that he believes this type of infrastructure is essential to growing the economy.
During his speech, Mashaba said that he will not let the tremendous infrastructure backlog inherited by the ANC, nor the rampant cable theft and vandalism deter him from working to bring Diphetogo to Johannesburg’s residents.
