Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) says its ongoing big power projects are progressing well.
The corporation says it is focusing on delivering results that are aimed at ensuring it achieves its vision to become “a regional benchmark in electricity supply.
The projects which are reportedly progressing include North-west Transmission Grid Connection (NWTGC) with a contract value of P2.3 billon, another is Tlokweng 132/11kV substation Project valued at P80 million as well as Mochudi 132/11kV Substation and 132kV Overhead Transmission Line Project valued at P157 million.
Chief executive officer David Kgoboko, says the BPC North West Transmission Grid Connection Project Phase 1, which is one of the strategic projects funded by the Government to address power constraints stretching from Maun, Legotlhwane, Gumare, Shakawe and Ghanzi areas, is doing well.
The project scopehas been divided into nine components which includes extension of multiple 400kV, 220kV and 132kV overhead Transmission lines and substations in different areas in the North West part of the country.
“The nine (9) components of NWTGC Phase 1 project are complete and under Defects Liability Period,” reads the statement.
The last package (220kV Legotlhwane to Ghanzi Line) was commissioned on 3rd September 2022 after being largely delayed by the financial constraints experienced by the contractor and shortage of material. Added is that the project benefit has been achieved since major villages are now connected to the BPC Grid leaving a few areas supplied through imports from neighboring countries such as Namibia and South Africa.
“Large power users such as Khoemacau and Motheo mines are also supplied from this grid. The Legotlhwane – Ghanzi projectis also progressing well,” he stated.
Kgoboko said the Tlokweng 132/11kV substation Project worth P80 Million of contract value that the project commenced in December 2020 and was completed by end of December 2022. The project consists of the 132/11kV substation and associated switch gear. He added that the contractor is currently working on snag rectification and closing on minor additional works which came in as variations to the project with the aim of completing all the works by end of March 2023.
“The project will be put in operation upon completion of load dispersal project, where Tlokweng will be supplied from the newly built substation,” he said.
He further spoke of the Mochudi 132/11kV Substation and 132kV Overhead Transmission Line Project which has a contract value of P157 million. He said the project commenced in September 2020 and the anticipated completion date is the end of March 2023. Added is that the project consists of the 132/11kV substation located in Diphiring Lands (north of Rasesa) and a 132kV line from Phakalane to Mochudi.
He said the substation component is complete and will be commissioned when the 132kV Phakalane – Mochudi line has been completed. Further stated is that the line component has some challenges with land acquisition in some sections which may delay completion of the project.
He believes that the project will enhance the power supply reliability and security in Kgatleng.
“The villages along the Limpopo river popularly known as the River villages (Mabalane, Sikwane, Mathubudukwane, Ramonaka, Malolwane, Oliphants Drift and Ramotlabaki) will be moved from the Eskom supply and connected to the local grid through this project. The progress on site is still ongoing,” said Kgoboko.
