Major Umhlanga Electricity Upgrade Underway MyZA

EThekwini Electricity has commenced with an upgrade of the electricity supply network to the uMhlanga area to replace the existing ageing supply infrastructure and to ensure that it can meet load growth in the area.

In this regard, eThekwini Electricity has awarded a contract to CBI Electric to install 132 000V underground cables in the area. The project will include the digging of trenches and closure of some of the roads. The roads that will be affected are uMhlanga Boulevard, Herrwood Drive and uMhlanga Rocks Drive. This project is due for completion by the end of November 2011.

The installation of the cables are being carried out in approximately 750 metre long sections, taking approximately two months each to complete, starting from the substation in the vicinity of the Porsche dealership in uMhlanga Rocks Newtown Centre. To date, trenches have been opened for the installation of cables from the substation eastward along uMhlanga Boulevard. For the next stage of the project which will commence in June, it is required to open trenches further along uMhlanga Boulevard and in Herrwood Drive. The excavation and installation of cables will unfortunately cause disruption to traffic flow when lanes may be temporarily closed or while the road width is narrowed to accommodate the construction work. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes where possible and are asked to exercise patience and extra care while driving in these areas during this period.

In preparation for the installation of the cables it is also necessary to cut, excavate and install sleeves across Herrwood Drive in the surrounding area of Herrwood Drive/uMhlanga Boulevard intersection and across uMhlanga Rocks Drive in the vicinity of the proposed Ridgeside/uMhlanga Rocks Drive intersections. Construction on this section commenced in May and will take approximately two weeks to complete.

The contractor will exercise all reasonable care to minimise disruption to traffic and access to properties. They will endeavour to keep noise, dust and other disruptive aspects of construction work to a minimum.

If the contractor must disrupt access to your property for whatever reason associated with their work, their representative will make contact with you beforehand to explain their requirements and the proposed arrangements to minimise the inconvenience.

EThekwini Electricity apologises in advance for any inconvenience which may be caused. The contractor’s representative is Johan Oosthuizen who may be contacted on 083 635 8582. The Project Supervisor is Rodney Londt who may be contacted on 031-3119281 and the Project Engineer is Brian Gordon who may be contacted on 031-3119221 or facsimile 031-3119556.