Nelson Mandela Bay Commits R60m to Power Network Upgrades

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in South Africa has committed R60 million to upgrade key electricity infrastructure, targeting improved supply reliability and increased capacity for industrial and commercial growth in the metro.

The investment includes R35 million to replace the Chelsea-Summerstrand 132-kilovolt transmission line and R25 million to reinforce the electricity network serving the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), one of the municipality's major industrial and investment hubs.

The projects are part of a wider infrastructure renewal programme aimed at replacing ageing assets, strengthening critical electricity supply routes and preparing the network for rising demand from households, businesses and industries.

Coega network to support industrial growth

The municipality said the investment in the Coega SEZ would strengthen the existing electricity network while creating additional capacity to accommodate future industrial development.

The Coega project is particularly significant because reliable power supply is essential for attracting new businesses and supporting existing industrial operations. The municipality noted that the upgrade would help improve the zone's ability to support economic activity and future investment.

The Chelsea-Summerstrand 132kV line replacement, meanwhile, will improve supply reliability in an area with significant tourism and hospitality activity.

The municipality stated that the projects would also strengthen the wider electricity network by protecting critical infrastructure that supplies residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Mayor Babalwa Lobishe asserted that dependable electricity infrastructure was central to the city's economic development plans.

“A reliable electricity network is the foundation of a competitive and growing city. These investments are not only about constructing new infrastructure - they are about modernising our electricity network, maintaining critical assets and creating the conditions for investment, business expansion and sustainable economic growth.”

The municipality has also allocated an additional R13 million for uncategorised electrical infrastructure components and flexible capital expenditure. The funding will cover smaller network extensions, unplanned maintenance and the replacement or upgrading of critical equipment.

Together, the R73 million allocation is intended to complement ongoing substation refurbishment, network upgrades and routine maintenance across Nelson Mandela Bay.

Vandalism threatens power reliability

The municipality opined that infrastructure security remains a key part of its electricity asset management strategy, with vandalism and cable theft continuing to contribute to avoidable power interruptions.

It said it was working with law enforcement agencies to protect electricity infrastructure and urged residents, businesses and community organisations to report incidents of vandalism and theft.

The investment comes as municipalities across South Africa face pressure to maintain ageing electricity networks while responding to rising demand and supporting economic development.

Strengthening key transmission corridors and the Coega network could help reduce the risk of supply disruptions while improving the infrastructure conditions needed to attract investment and expand industrial activity for Nelson Mandela Bay. The effectiveness of the programme, however, will also depend on continued maintenance and efforts to protect newly upgraded infrastructure from theft and vandalism.