Businesses pool funds for Gqeberha substation’s R1m security upgrades

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In an effort to prevent power outages from crippling businesses in the industrial areas of Deal Party and Struandale, several Gqeberha firms have banded together to install…

In an effort to prevent power outages from crippling businesses in the industrial areas of Deal Party and Struandale, several Gqeberha firms have banded together to install security upgrades at the crucial Swartkops Substation, including a fence worth nearly R1-million.

Last month, one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s automotive giants burnt close to R400,000 in diesel to keep their backup generators running and their assembly lines ticking during an unexpected 15-hour power outage.

While this was an extreme incident, it was not isolated and compounded Isuzu Motors South Africa’s diesel expenses, which are in the region of R1-million for the year.

The incident reignited ongoing concerns from local businesses over the city’s ailing electricity infrastructure, which is worsened by persistent vandalism and theft. Particular concerns were raised about one of the city’s major energy facilities, the Swartkops Substation, which has been continuously targeted over the past three months.

But rather than wring their hands and watch their operations costs skyrocket just to literally keep the lights on, businesses in the areas fed by this substation took it upon themselves to identify the challenges and address them proactively.

Through an initiative, driven by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s cluster in the Deal Party and Struandale industrial regions, close to R1-million was raised towards security upgrades around the Swartkops facility.

Some businesses already contributed towards surveillance cameras and a dedicated patrol to keep a close eye on the substation and surrounds, and the latest investment will go towards installing adequate perimeter fencing around the crucial infrastructure.

With a donation of R500,000, the Ezethu Development Trust was the biggest contributor to the project. Other contributors included S&N Rubber, Isuzu Motors South Africa, Autocast, BASF and Continental Tyre SA, while the business chamber’s geographical cluster has committed to covering any…

As their…

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