NEW INVESTMENT opportunities are being created in the Eastern Cape’s rural areas by a R127-million programme by parastatal power utility Eskom to replace outdated equipment over the next year. The upgrade is just one of a number of electrification projects currently under way. Eskom regional communications manager Lettitia Ndema says the organisation has embarked on a widespread strengthening and refurbishment programme. It includes the replacement of an unstable underground cable system which, until recently, fed electricity into the area between the Lesotho border and Aliwal North, with a new overhead power-line. Residents of Matlakeng township in Zastron have benefited from the project so far. Among other areas set to benefit from the programme are the coastal areas of Sunrise on Sea, Kidd's Beach, Kayser's Beach, Marshstrand and Cannon Rocks. Eskom announced in April that a R200-million investment in the province during the year would include the establishment of a new major route in the Albany district and building of supply capacity to the nodal growth point of Flagstaff. An amount of R109-million has been set aside for electrification projects which would bring electricity for the first time to over 26000 homes and businesses in the province. The parastatal has also committed R1,8-billion to upgrading the power supply to the Coega Industrial Development Zone and the neighbouring Nelson Mandela Metro.