Substation adds towards Botswana’s power self-reliance
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday February 27, 2024 06:00
Those residing in areas like Mabalane, Sikwane, Mmathubudukwane, Ramonaka and Malolwane have expressed joy and relief at finally having access to a reliable power source.
Following the launch, transmission will be transferred from the South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, to the local grid owned by Botswana Power Corporation (BPC). Kgosi Michael Balebetse of Mmathubudukwane highlighted the significant improvement in the quality of life since the villages started accessing electricity from the local grid.
For his part, Deputy chief of Bakgatla-Baa-Kgafela, Bana Sekai said businesses, especially those selling perishables, had suffered due to unreliable power supply from Eskom. Hence, he is hopeful that the new connection will ‘lead to the reopening of closed businesses’. In his speech at the launch, President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the project was executed within the stipulated budget, with a tender award of P8.5 million for consultancy services. The project, which includes the construction of a transmission bulk supply substation in Mochudi and a 37.2km overhead line, aims to cater for the increasing electricity demand in Mochudi and surrounding villages.
Additionally, the substation will reduce dependency on neighbouring countries for electricity supply. Masisi highlighted that the Mochudi-Phakalane Project is a testament to their commitment to addressing power supply constraints, fostering economic development, and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens in the Kgatleng region. Meanwhile, in order to increase the rate of household connections, government has reviewed standard connection fees of P5, 000 and P2, 500 (excluding VAT) for higher Income and low to zero income households, respectively. There will now be free connections for all households starting from April 1.
Moreover, a customers earning only up to P2, 400 per month will be provided with the option of free supply of Ready Box where a household could not afford the cost of wiring a house.