Proposed construction of MV Line in 42nd Hill Harrismith, Free State

Eskom proposes the construction of the MV Line on 42nd Hill Harrismith. According to Eskom Holdings SOC Limited, the Intabazwe area of Harrismith is experiencing an increase in demand for electrification.
The proposed construction includes upgrading the existing municipal medium voltage powerlines, both the 1 hydroxymethylfural (HMF) and 2 HMF, from Harrismith Municipal Substation to the 42nd Hill residential area, extending the line to 1HMF and 2HMF, splitting feeders, and upgrading the conductors from Hare grade to Chickadee grade to increase supply capacity for the Letsatsi development. The two Letsatsi lines are not supplying any load as the development of Intabazwe Corridor did not take off. The lines are therefore not energized and are prone to vandalism and or theft. The existing municipal network serves 42nd Hill with a 7.4 MVA load. The powerlines will be constructed using 300mm diameter wood and cement structures and stays added to provide enough ground clearance.
The approach being proposed is to divide the 1HMF and 2HMF into three feeders to accommodate 2520 extra stands. The 2HMF has a minimum voltage of 0.86 PU, and spreading load between them may result in one or both falling below the 0.95 PU mandatory MV Voltage. 1HML was chosen to supply the third portion of the feeders.
Eskom intends to enhance the capacity of the two current medium voltage powerlines, namely the 1HMF and 2HMF circuits, which connect the Harrismith Municipal Substation to the 42nd Hill residential area. This upgrade involves replacing the existing Hare grade conductor with the Chickadee grade conductor in order to augment the power supply capability of these lines.
Eskom also intends to enhance the current 1HML line by replacing the conductor with the Hare to Chickadee conductor. Additionally, Eskom seek to extend the line from its current endpoint, right after crossing the railway line at the projected Letsatsi development area, all the way up to 42nd Hill. This will run parallel to the 1HMF and 2HMF lines. The remaining 2HML line will be upgraded to Chickadee conductor in order to provide power for the Letsatsi development.
The proposed project involves the upgrade of the dual circuit and single circuit (1HMF and 2HMF) feeders and powerline infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electrification in Intabazwe Township. 1HMF and 2HMF run from the Intabazwe Substation, with most parts occurring through a wetland located within the proposed development area.

Province(s): Free State