Amid grey skies and a light winter drizzle, Overstrand Executive Mayor, Archie Klaas officially cut the ribbon at the ceremonial opening of the Birkenhead Substation on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
True to his reputation for giving credit where it’s due, Mayor Klaas praised the team behind the R75 million project under the leadership of Director of Infrastructure Services, Stephen Müller, and the dedicated support of municipal officials and contractors. Although former Gansbaai Electrical Department Senior Manager, Danie Maree, was unable to attend the event due to ill health, he too was recognised for his significant role in the early stages of the project.
The Birkenhead 66/11kV substation is the largest electrical project ever undertaken by Overstrand Municipality. Situated just outside Gansbaai on the road to the Danger Point Lighthouse, the new substation will ease the burden on the existing network and ensure sufficient supply to support the region’s rapidly growing future development.
The substation project has been in the pipeline for over a decade. It was first proposed in the 2011 Overstrand Electricity Masterplan, and a 2019 load growth investigation report confirmed the need for a second supply point to meet rising demand in the Greater Gansbaai area. Without this upgrade, the existing network would have been unable to handle the projected growth, potentially leading to costly and extensive infrastructure improvements.
Construction began in August 2022 and was completed by February 2025. The total cost of the project amounted to R75.6 million, including a R7.1 million Eskom connection fee. Funding was provided by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (now the Department of Electricity and Energy) and Overstrand Municipality.
The project included the installation of a 4.7km, 66kV overhead steel monopole power line from the Eskom supply point to a newly constructed 66/11kV indoor substation. The facility houses a 20MVA transformer, switchgear, and all necessary auxiliary equipment. Provision has also been made for a second 20MVA transformer in the future.
In addition, the Birkenhead Substation offers a second Eskom supply point to the area, supplementing the existing 11kV system and significantly increasing electricity distribution capacity in Gansbaai. The higher intake voltage of 66kV will also enable the municipality to purchase electricity at a lower tariff, bringing long-term savings on its electricity account.
Design work was carried out by iX Engineers, with Lyners providing support during implementation. Adenco Construction oversaw the electrical installation and managed the overall construction process.
As part of the tender requirements, 30% of the construction value was required to be subcontracted to Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs) and Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) registered on the Central Supplier Database. This initiative aimed to promote skills development and the use of local labour. The requirement was met through the appointment of a range of subcontractors who provided services such as civil and building works, security, design, materials supply, labour, transport, and the testing and commissioning of equipment.
The project also included a social responsibility component, with computer equipment valued at R50 000 donated to Gansbaai Academia High School.
