APPROVED IDP DOC 2011-16.BA PHALABORWA.pdf

are positively dangerous to operate under certain fault conditions. Some of the mechanisms are
inconsistent and erratic in their speed of operation, probably due to mechanical wear, with the
result that the performance of the protection systems is not reliable. The redundant capacity of a
number of 11 kV cable ring supplies are no longer capable of meeting the increased loads placed
upon them during fault conditions. There are a number of faults scenarios which, should they
occur, will result in a severe and prolonged curtailment of electricity supply to large areas of the
town, including the central business district and industrial area. Furthermore, the capacity to
transfer sufficient power from the Selati main in-take substation is not adequate during periods of
heavy loading should one of the present lines be lost. The line feeding the whole northern area is
critical and needs to be augmented by means of an additional line.
The increased demand for electricity over the past number of years is set to continue and the point
has been reached where significant parts of the network are no longer able to ensure a reliable
supply. There is therefore a definite and urgent requirement for selective up grading of the network
as well as ongoing refurbishment and replacement of ageing and obsolete equipment.
Street Lighting
The present situation regarding public lighting within the area of jurisdiction of the Ba-Phalaborwa
Municipality for the main towns is as follows:
Phalaborwa Town
All streets in both the business and residential areas are well lit using roadside luminaries ranging
from 125-watt mercury vapour lamps to 250-watt high-pressure sodium lighting. The sport stadium
is also fully equipped with flood lighting. There is however a major part of the main thoroughfare to
the Kruger Park Gate, namely Hendrik Van Eck road which does not have street lighting.
Namakgale
A total 7.7km of roads within the township is equipped with roadside lighting of good quality. In
addition there are a total of 41 highmast lights spread throughout the township, which gives
acceptable area coverage. The sport stadium is equipped with flood lighting. However, there are
still a number of roads that need to have roadside street lighting installed.
112