City of Ekurhuleni must prioritise on IPPs to ease the burden of loadshedding on residents

by Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe — DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

Date: 11 September 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ward 38, Brackenhurst and Brackendowns, believes that the one way to shield residents from perpetual load-shedding and frequent power outages is by prioritising getting the first Independent Power Producers (IPP) online, as this is something the City of Ekurhuleni, under a DA-led government began to initiate.

Following questions for written reply during a council meeting which took place on Thursday 31 August 2023, the DA notes with concern that MMC Leshaka Manamela is not prioritising having the first IPPs go live any time soon.

While the DA welcomes the fact that one of the ways the city is planning to partner with IPPs, it is concerning that the city under the EFF-ANC doomsday coalition has put its foot on the paddle in securing a partnership with IPPs sooner rather than later.

It is the view of the DA that the MMC should take heed of his advice that indicates that the city has ageing infrastructure not designed to be frequently switched on and off regularly. This leads to the breakdown of equipment and unplanned outages out of load shedding times.

The city cannot afford ongoing load-shedding and the MMC must act swiftly to ensure a partnership with IPPs goes live as soon as possible. Residents of Ward 38 and those of the city have had to endure several power outages outside scheduled load-shedding, and it is time the city puts measures in place to stop perpetual power outages.

As was evident under DA mayor Tania Campbell’s tenure, the city had a clear strategy and took deliberate action to shield residents from load-shedding.

The DA implores the City of Ekurhuleni to follow in the footsteps of the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape provincial government in taking steps to shield residents from load-shedding.

It is only the DA that is committed to keeping the lights on and ending load-shedding.

Cllr Thavha Maifala-Masebe

DA Ward 38 Councillor in Ekurhuleni

0615404973