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The ongoing blackouts experienced across the country are having a negative impact on investment opportunities in Gauteng.

Recently residents have once again been subjected to at least 10 hours or more of load-shedding per day.

Given the current situation, it is clear that the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is not doing enough to offer our residents some relief from load-shedding.

Earlier this year, during his State of the Province Address (SOPA), Premier Lesufi boldly announced that plans are in place for a solar farm in Merafong.

While this is a step in the right direction, more assistance must be given to our municipalities to assist them in procuring additional energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

If the GPG under Lesufi’s leadership wants to procure additional electricity, they would take a leaf out of the Western Cape’s book. The DA-led Western Cape has already outlined its plans to ensure the province is less reliant on Eskom.

The following has been put into place already:

• Established an Ad Hoc Committee on the energy crisis.
• Called on qualifying companies to submit bids for the City of Cape Town’s 500MW tender.
• Announced an R1.2 billion solar PV plant.

With no end in sight to these rolling blackouts many businesses may have to close their doors, adding to the high unemployment rate in the province.

It is high time that Premier Lesufi and his executive come up with a concrete plan to free Gauteng from the current electricity crisis.

A DA government in this province will develop a working relationship with our counterparts in the Western Cape so that our residents too can experience less load-shedding.

Issued by Patrick Atkinson MPL - DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Finance