The Star E-dition

Gauteng neglecting to find alternative energy

PATRICK ATKINSON MPL |

THE Gauteng provincial government has no evidence to support its claim that none of the 10 dams in the province is suitable for the generation of hydro-electricity.

The provincial energy response committee was established after the announcement of the state of disaster, due to the blackouts. A budget of R1.2 billion has been set aside to resolve the energy crisis.

Last year, Premier Panyaza Lesufi indicated that research had shown that none of the dams could be used for the generation of hydro-electricity. I tabled follow-up questions earlier this year, regarding that no proper answer was given on why the province could not produce hydro-electricity.

Gauteng is the engine room of the South African economy. It is a gross dereliction that nothing has been done by the provincial government before the proclamation of the state of emergency.

The issue around hydro-electricity is an indication of the provincial government’s absence in the renewable debate. It should explore every avenue in the same way the Western Cape government is doing, and it should have a plan to free the province of its dependence on Eskom in the next five years, like the Western Cape is doing.

METRO

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2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thestar.pressreader.com/article/282905209804730

African News Agency