FUNDING AWARDED FOR MULTI-MILLION ELECTRICITY UPGRADE

KOUGA Municipality is set to spend over R8 million over the next three months on the electrification of the current Ocean View housing project, as well as critical bulk infrastructure.

This after receiving R8.1 million from the Department of Energy (DoE) through the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP) grant at the end of March 2023 – R2 million more than the original grant awarded in October last year.

“The DoE increased the grant amount after the appointment of a contractor one month before the set appointment date – acknowledging Kouga’s commitment towards improving the lives of those less fortunate,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks.

According to Hendricks, the project will consist of two parts.

“The first part will see the electrification of the first 200 houses being constructed as part of the much-needed Ocean View 1 500 housing project in Jeffreys Bay,” he said.

“An additional transformer will, furthermore, be installed at the Ocean View substation to accommodate the increase in electricity load.”

Hendricks said the second part of the project will secure the upgrading of the 66kv line feeding Jeffreys Bay – securing energy reliability to Jeffreys Bay.

“Unfortunately, the cost to replace the complete line is approximately R40 million. However, every rand invested in this project, is well received.”

Work is set to commence within the next two weeks, and it is estimated that the project will be completed by the end of June 2023.