Gordhan presents 9-point action plan to rescue failing Eskom
- The Public Enterprises Minister has put forth a proposal to improve the power utility
- It will involve fixing systemic problems and making key appointments to Eskom's leadership
- However, some say it is too little, too late
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Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has proposed a 9-point plan to save Eskom.
The plan has provided some much-needed hope to many South Africans, but some experts have expressed doubt about its feasibility.
The plan will involve fixing new power plants and making new appointments to key positions.
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However, some say the plan will be both expensive and slow - and Eskom does not have much time. Some reports estimate that the power utility could collapse before April.
Nevertheless, Gordhan's plan proposes to address the systemic flaws that contribute to energy loss, as well as improve efficient of energy production.
This would require better maintenance, improved training and streamlining of the procurement process, according to The Citizen.
The plan would also increase Eskom's ability to recover lost coal reserves and protect coal from being rendered unusable by things such as rain.
On top this, Gordhan says Eskom will recruit some of the world's top coal power station engineers from an Italian company called Inel.
These engineers will ostensibly provide guidance for improving Eskom's own stations.
READ ALSO: Social media calls for Soweto power to be cut until bill paid
Despite the plan, however, many still believe that government will be forced to bail out the failing parastatal. The 2015 bailout of Eskom cost R23 billion, as well as involved the scrapping of R60 billion loan.
A bailout to address Eskom's current debt problems, however, could cost as much as R100 billion.
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Source: Briefly News
