Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) launched the Mochudi 132/33kV Substation in Diphiring Lands with the primary mandate of addressing power supply challenges in the area.
The project tender, awarded to Power Line Africa and Bokone Reticulation and Electrical Systems at an estimated cost of over P150 million, aimed to connect seven Kgatleng villages to the National Grid. These villages previously depended on cross-border electricity supply, and according to His Excellency President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, “the new development will cushion them against the external shocks of unstable electricity supply over which Botswana Power Corporation had no control.”
In its commitment to ensuring open access to modern energy services, as outlined in the National Energy Policy, BPC conducted the “Gaborone Reinforcement Study.” This study identified the pressing need to reinforce the transmission backbone infrastructure to meet the growing electricity demands in communities around the capital city of Gaborone.
As a result, the Transmission Backbone Infrastructure Reinforcement Project was initiated to alleviate power supply challenges in Tlokweng, Ramotswa, and Mochudi. This led to the construction and installation of the Mochudi 132/33kV Substation and the Phakalane-Mochudi 132kV transmission overhead line. These developments followed the establishment of the Ramotswa 132/33kV and Tlokweng 132/33kV Substations.
Speaking at the launch, President Masisi said, “The Mochudi-Phakalane Project, which we are celebrating today, is a testament to our commitment to addressing power supply constraints, fostering economic development, and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens in the Kgatleng region.”
He emphasized that the primary objective of the transmission infrastructure development is to address power quality issues and provide ample capacity to support the increasing load due to rapid developments within Mochudi and surrounding Kgatleng Villages.
“In more technical terms describing the electrical transmission and distribution facilities, let me state that the comprehensive project scope included the installation of 2 X 40MVA, 132/33kV Transformers; a 33kV board and switch room; 132kV and 33kV outdoor switchgear; and a 132kV overhead transmission line covering some 37km from Phakalane to Mochudi,” he explained.
Construction reportedly started in September 2020, and the project was commissioned in October 2023. President Masisi commended the contracted companies for completing the project within the stipulated budget and time.
Kgatleng Deputy Paramount Chief Bana Sekai praised BPC for the uplifting development, expressing gratitude that Bakgatla’s electricity woes were soon to be history. “Power cuts have become a daily struggle, especially for the river villages which depended on the South African Electricity supply as a result of the cross-border arrangements. Hopefully, that challenge will come to an end,” he expressed.
Two of the villages, Ramotlabaki and Olifants Drift, have not yet been connected to the grid. However, a promise has been made to connect the two villages by the end of March this year.
