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.
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:
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.
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:
Cape Town officials and South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched new law enforcement facilities…
The maintenance of vast sewage and river systems is a strategic priority, particularly as a…
Cape Town is ushering in a new era of affordable housing with the Bonteheuwel Infill…
The EPWP Entrepreneurship Trainee Programme in Cape Town is a successful initiative that fosters economic…
Happy Jele, the legendary player of Orlando Pirates, has retired from professional football at the…
The criminal justice system in South Africa is dedicated to protecting its community members, as…