Update on 132/11Kv Olievenhoutbosch Substation
City of Tshwane MMC for Utility Frans Boshielo photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Frans Boshielo
MMC for Utility Services
The MMC for Utility Services, Cllr Frans Boshielo responsible for Energy and Electricity Business Unit would like to provide an update on the restoration work currently underway at the 132/11kV Olievenhoutbosch Substation following the recent fire incident.
The technical team has successfully completed the dismantling and reassembly of newly installed busbars.
The original busbars sustained extensive fire damage and failed pressure testing, necessitating their removal and replacement.
The newly installed busbars have been modified and will now undergo rigorous electrical and mechanical testing to ensure they are capable of withstanding heavy operational loads.
This is a delicate but critical process that must be completed before the substation can be safely energized.
In parallel with the busbar testing, teams are actively installing multicore cables.
This is a complex and time-consuming task as these cables provide critical control, protection, and communication links between the transformers and the substation equipment.
Once the multicore cable installation is completed, functionality testing of the first transformer, Transformer B, will be undertaken.
Testing and on-site repair work on Transformer R is still ongoing following damage sustained during the fire incident.
Given the severity of the damage to the substation, extensive cable installation and cable rerouting works are continuing across the site to restore full operational integrity.
The Energy and Electricity Business Unit remains fully committed to restoring power supply as safely and efficiently as possible.
For safety reasons, the City respectfully requests community members, political parties and councillors to refrain from visiting the substation site while critical testing and commissioning activities are underway.
These operations involve high-risk procedures and restricted access is essential to protect both personnel and the public.
The City will continue to provide daily updates on progress and restoration timelines.