The City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services department (EISD) MMC Michael Sun, Section 79 committee chairperson Cllr. Lerato Ngubeni and City Power Acting CEO Ms Tshifularo Mashava visited the Eldorado Park substation construction site on Wednesday, 16 February 2022.

The MMC was welcomed by ward councillor Juwairiya Kaldine during the meeting with the residents. The residents, youth and local businesses raised several issues relating to project timelines, opportunities for the local residents and developments in the area.

This project was halted for several reasons including challenges from disgruntled residents protesting, contractual issues and budgetary constraints.

“I’m here to work. I’m here to meet the community, listen to their concerns as this site is turning into a white elephant. This project has seen much turbulence. I will do everything in my power to ensure that we as the new Multi-party government turn this around and benefit the residents of Eldorado Park” said MMC Sun. The MMC explained the City’s budget processes and made a series of commitments to the community.

The MMC indicated that the Department will ensure to the best of its ability that all semi-finished projects - Eldorado Park substation being one of them - as phase 1 where civil works took place have, will be completed. Now, equipment will be installed, which includes three feeder boards and a switch gear.

The MMC reiterated that the sooner the new substation is completed, City Power will be able to supply stable electricity to the community of Eldorado Park. He also called on the residents to play a role in the City’s revenue collection by keeping up with payments, thus assisting the City with revenue collection so that there is enough money to finish installation of new infrastructure and fixing or replacing of damaged ones.

“My purpose here is to ensure that we see this project to completion. Finish the upgrades so that it supplies the homes and the larger community. I’ll come back in a month’s time to outline budget issues and give timelines on the remainder of the work that has to be done,” said the MMC.

City Power Acting CEO Ms Tshifularo Mashava echoed the MMC’s sentiments that the City, through its many efforts to raise funds, will be committed to finalising budget allocations for the completion of all the entity’s outstanding projects. We will finish this project and ensure that extra capacity is secured to supply the people of Eldorado Park and the surrounding areas,” concluded Mashava.

Issued by:

CLLR. MICHAEL SUN
MMC: ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
0828229340

17/02/2022