China donates 44 generators to KZN to ease power issues
KwaZulu-Natal has received 44 generators that are part of the first consignment energy equipment donated to South Africa by China.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa was joined by the Deputy Minister of Health Sibongiseni Dlomo to receive the equipment in Howick on Thursday.
The generators are earmarked for 19 clinics across the province to provide backup power during blackouts.
"The Chinese were very enthusiastic. They demonstrated levels of solidarity to say that as we resolve the bigger question of ending load shedding, you need some alternative, a supply or a solution that will ensure that there is uninterrupted supply,” said Ramokgopa.
"And on the sidelines of BRICS, when (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) was here we signed a number of agreements with South Africa and China, and one of those was to assist South Africa with emergency power solutions."
The first consignment that arrived in the country consists of 450 generators.
Meanwhile, Ramokgopa says the intensity of load shedding will reduce as we approach the weekend.
Stage 4 load shedding will kick in at 4pm on Thrusday until 8pm, which will then be ramped up to stage 5 until 5am on Friday.
The second consignment will arrive in a few weeks time and this will be consisting, amongst others, 150kw diesel generators, power vehicle generators and off-grid photovoltaic energy storage power supply systems#LeaveNoOneBehind 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/J7WPBvqXg7
— Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (@Kgosientsho_R) November 30, 2023
The generators will be used as backup to alleviate the impacts of load shedding in the delivery of services in clinics, schools and courts whilst government continues to implement the EAP to ultimately end load shedding and create sustainable energy security#LeaveNoOneBehind 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/4pHScnNLKg
— Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (@Kgosientsho_R) November 30, 2023
