No relief in sight for Gauteng residents from rolling blackouts as the government fails to put proper plans in place

Gauteng residents will continue to suffer through rolling blackouts while the provincial government does absolutely nothing to assist in solving this crisis.

Earlier this month, the Democratic Alliance (DA) tabled questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to Premier Lesufi regarding the Gauteng government’s plans to reduce the number of blackouts experienced by Gauteng residents.

We have since been informed that the Premier has requested an extension on answering these questions on 20 February 2023 to 13 March 2023. See letter here.

These questions were submitted during the first week of February and sought answers to the following questions:
1. With regards to the research that was conducted to determine whether Gauteng dams are suitable to be used for the generation of hydroelectricity, could the Premier please explain why the dams are not viable?
2. Which company/entity carried out this research?
3. What amount in rands and cents was spent on this research?
4. Does Gauteng have a Green Economy War Room?
5. If yes, what is the budget in rands and Cents?
6. Could you please provide a list of the work completed by the Green Economy War Room?

What support is the Gauteng government providing to municipalities to help them procure extra electricity from Independent Power Producers?
The fact that Premier Panyaza Lesufi has asked for an extension to answer these questions is a clear indication that they have absolutely no tangible solution in place. This despite announcing during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last week that plans are afoot to establish a solar farm in Merafong.

The DA is waiting in anticipation for Premier Lesufi’s answers. We will also conduct unannounced oversight visits to all the places he mentioned in his SOPA last week that will be equipped with an alternate supply of energy to be utilised during loadshedding.