Gauteng Business 2016 edition

SPECIAL FEATURE
“In order to broaden the energy
mix plan in the Gauteng City
Region, we adopted a plan with
six interventions. We have been
working with municipalities to finalise
plans to bring in additional
1200 megawatts of electricity by
increasing generation capacity
of the current coal-fired power
stations in Tshwane (Rooiwal and
Pretoria West Power) and Joburg
(Kelvin Station),” he said.
The other interventions included
installing rooftop solar
panels for all government buildings
(it is estimated that there is
available 8 million square metres
of rooftop space suitable for
such installations, which could
generate 300-500 megawatts
of electricity), implementing a
programme to retrofit coal-fired
boilers with natural gas and implementing
the Tri-generation
programme in six hospitals (Trigeneration
is a technology that
enables the production of electricity
for heating and cooling using
gas). In addition, they are also
initiating their waste-to-energy
programme (aimed at converting
waste from government
facilities into bio-gas) and continuing
their energy efficiency
programme through which government
aims to replace existing
lights in all government facilities
and government buildings with
LED lights.
“We have thus far replaced 45
000 lights in our health facilities
alone,” confirmed the Premier.
“Working together with the
private sector, we will also invest
in local solar technologies.
In this regard, we are supporting
an initiative by the University of
Johannesburg and the private sector to build a manufacturing plant
and a solar plant in Gauteng,” he added.
The provincial government continues to invest in ICT infrastructure
and, most importantly, in e-government services. The Provincial
Government’s total investment in ICT infrastructure has been budgeted
as more than R300-million over the next three years. It also works
with private sector network companies to discuss how it can fasttrack
the realisation of its goal of achieving 100% connectivity over
the next five years in order to unleash the potential of the local ICT
industry and, thereby, to promote SMME development and township
economy revitalisation.
Makhura noted that water scarcity can serve as a major stumbling
block to the achievement of the goals of the TMR.
“In Gauteng, we are working with national government and municipalities
to address major concerns pertaining to water security and
infrastructure development. The recent water supply interruptions
have brought to the fore these concerns.
We have established a water and sanitation coordinating forum
which will enable us to rapidly develop and implement a City Regionwide
plan on water and security, including on the urgent need to find
a strategic solution to the problem of Acid Mine Drainage,” concluded
the Premier.
CONTACT INFO
Physical address: 94 Main Street, Matlotlo House, Johannesburg
Postal address: Private Bag X 091, Marshalltown, 2107
Tel: 011 355 8000
Fax: 011 355 8694
www.ecodev.gpg.gov.za
39 GAUTENG BUSINESS 2016