News

Tackling Energy Crisis: Mossel Bay Municipality’s Efforts

August 7, 2023

1 min read

Local governments play a crucial role in addressing the energy crisis by providing solutions and collaborating with the Western Cape Government (WCG). Municipalities are responsible for service delivery, which is severely impacted during power blackouts. To combat the crisis, provinces must focus on protecting essential services and seeking alternative sources of energy.

Mossel Bay Municipality’s Measures

In the 19th Energy Digicon hosted by Premier Alan Winde, Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderman Dirk Kotze, shared the municipality’s efforts to maintain critical services for residents amid load-shedding. Short and long-term measures include:

Replacing streetlights with energy-efficient LED bulbs and installing solar lighting at public ablution facilities
Incorporating solar geysers in new housing projects
Equipping traffic lights at some intersections with uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems
Utilizing emergency generators to safeguard services like sanitation and water treatment
Establishing the Groot Brak River hydropower project
Implementing a rooftop solar strategy
Planning for a 30 MW solar plant

Gas-to-power projects are also under consideration, as the municipality engages in discussions with PetsoSA. Generating about 180 MW of gas-produced energy could be a quick solution to the current crisis.

Emergency Funding and Load-Shedding Kits

Mossel Bay is installing three generators to ensure continuous service delivery during load-shedding, with emergency funding from the WCG. The municipality is also investing in the development of mini-grids located near municipal infrastructure, such as waterworks. These hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can produce 1 MW of power.

Premier Winde emphasized the importance of supporting municipalities with the necessary resources and guidance to make daily life more manageable for residents during blackouts. One intervention by the WCG is the rollout of load-shedding kits designed to help indigent households. In the coming days, the WCG plans to distribute over 400,000 load-shedding kits to indigent households across the province.

Mossel Bay Municipality’s efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration between local governments and the WCG in tackling the energy crisis and ensuring essential services remain unaffected during blackouts. By investing in alternative energy sources and reducing reliance on Eskom, the province can work towards a more sustainable future. To watch a recording of the 19th Energy Digicon, visit the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGFRi3KiUrI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjMaUG16PqM&t=3s

Serjio Zakharoff
Latest posts

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Maximising ROI: How CEOs Can Use Recruitment Agencies to Drive Business Growth

As business leaders, CEOs constantly search for strategic tools to drive growth and maximise return on investment (ROI). One such avenue is leveraging the expertise of recruitment services. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured Ability South Africa) stands out as a leading player in the recruitment and staffing solutions industry, offering a blend of innovative strategies and time-tested methods to enhance your business performance. The Strategic Advantage of Recruitment Agencies In today’s fast-paced business world, the right staffing decisions are crucial. Recruitment agencies like MASA offer a streamlined, efficient approach to hiring that brings numerous benefits: 1. Access

Durban Super Giants Outshine Paarl Royals in SA20 Cricket League

The Durban Super Giants and Paarl Royals went headtohead in an exhilarating cricket match that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game took place at the Kingsmead Stadium, a renowned venue for cricket, and was the talk of the town. The Super Giants emerged victorious, cementing their supremacy in the SA20 league.

Latest from Blog

saldanha bay legal case human trafficking trial south africa

Legal Crossroads in Saldanha Bay: The Joshlin Smith Case

The Joshlin Smith case in Saldanha Bay is a tense legal battle about serious human trafficking charges involving a missing child. The quiet fishing town became a spotlight for grief and hope as the courtroom drama unfolded, relying heavily on witness testimony with little physical proof. The defense challenged the weak evidence, while the community and media watched closely, showing how justice is both a legal fight and a story told through public eyes. This case reveals South Africa’s struggle to find truth and fairness amid deep pain and uncertainty.

wildfires cape town table mountain ecology

Wildfire on Table Mountain: Cape Town’s Annual Battle Against the Flames

Each dry summer, wildfires sweep across Cape Town’s Table Mountain, driven by hot winds, invasive plants, and sometimes human carelessness. These fires roar quickly through thick fynbos, threatening rare plants and homes alike, while firefighters battle bravely from land and sky to control the flames. The community comes together, sending supplies and support, showing how deeply Cape Towners care for their mountain. Though fire is part of nature’s cycle, climate change and frequent blazes put this delicate balance at risk, making every effort to protect Table Mountain more important than ever.

south africa vat reversal public protest impact

Public Outcry and a Policy Reversed: The Scrapping of South Africa’s VAT Hike

South Africa decided not to raise VAT by 0.5% after a big public outcry. People worried the extra tax would make life harder with rising prices and many without jobs. Protests, legal fights, and political pressure made the government change its mind. This choice shows how South Africans’ voices can shape important government decisions. Now, the country faces new challenges to find money without hurting its people.

Miracle on the Rails: Four Women Transform a Cape Town Commute

One busy morning on a Cape Town train, four women from Herschel Girls’ School helped a young mother give birth right there in the crowded carriage. With calm hearts and quick thinking, they cleared space, sang songs of hope, and supported her through the pain. When baby Grace cried for the first time, passengers cheered, turning the train into a joyful celebration. This amazing act of kindness showed how ordinary people can come together to create miracles in the most surprising moments.

cape town rugby united rugby championship

Saturday Night Rugby: Cape Town’s Urban Festival Unfolds

Saturday Night Rugby in Cape Town lights up the city with a mix of thrilling rugby, music, and fun for families. Fans dressed in blue gather early to welcome the Stormers, turning the streets and stadium into a buzzing playground of cheers, food, and games. The city blends sport and culture seamlessly, with special transport making sure everyone moves smoothly through the lively crowds. As rugby and jazz fans fill the night, Cape Town shines bright, celebrating community, tradition, and the joy of being together.

the ultimate mother city guide