PHUTI MOSOMANE
PREMIER Panyaza Lesufi says the provincial government has set aside R1,2bn to resolve the energy crisis in Gauteng.
This after many businesses in Gauteng suffered major financial losses due to the latest round of rolling blackouts implemented by Eskom across the country.
“Gauteng Province electricity deficit is focused at 4058 mega volt-ampermps (MVA) in 2025. This is slightly to be due to Eskom’s inability to generate more from its current fleet,” said Lesufi during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Monday.
Lesufi said the provincial government has been working on finding solutions to the energy crisis.
He said an energy crisis response team working together with the National Energy Committee, local government and energy experts has since been created.
“We acted with urgency and convened the inaugural energy solutions EXPO to solicit views on what exists in the market with the idea of creating partnerships to assist in finding lasting solutions,” said Lesufi.
“We were pleased with the overwhelming response from the industry experts who provided much-needed knowledge on what we can do in the immediate, and medium, to long term. Commercial banks, Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) and other funding institutions are eager to partner with us to respond to this challenge.”
To set the ball rolling, Lesufi reiterated that the Gauteng Provincial Government will be making available R1.2bn towards resolving the energy crisis.
“In few weeks, we will appoint 6 developers who will commence the construction of a 800 megawatts solar farm in Merafong,” he said, adding that this will be followed by the installation of roof top solar panels in government buildings especially hospitals, clinics and schools.
Both the Johannesburg Municipality’s City Power as well as Tshwane’s Rooiwal facility will be assisted to expand and generate more power.
“We will meet with owners of Kelvin Power Station to establish how we can partner with them to limit loadshedding in Gauteng,” Lesufi said.
Next week, the provincial government will advertise a call for proposals for alternative suppliers of energy that can contribute to the solution of the energy crisis and the reindustrialization of Gauteng.
To avoid looting of the resources, Lesufi said: “We have learnt from the procurement of PPEs. We will work with the Gauteng Ethics Advisory Committee and the Auditor General to ensure that the processes are transparent, fair and equitable.”
As of April, roof-top solar panels in health facilities, schools and libraries will be rolled out to ensure that there is sufficient energy for the provision of the much-needed services to communities.
Together with Gauteng municipalities, smart metering will also be rolled out, and young people will be trained, skilled and equipped in the energy space, he said.
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