Panyaza Lesufi Announced R1.2 Billion Gauteng Solar and Gas Turbine Project, Mzansi Suspicious
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that provincial government is rolling out a power project
- The government is working with Eskom and City Power to implement a R2.2 billion solar and gas turbine project
- South Africans see it as another opportunity to loot state resources and enrich politicians in the province
Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News's current affairs journalist, offered coverage of current affairs like loadshedding, fuel prices and environmental affairs during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email tebogo.mokwena@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.
Source: Getty Images
The Gauteng provincial government is teaming up with Eskom and City Power to roll out a solar and gas turbine project. R1.2 billion has been set aside for the project and is expected to mitigate the effects of loadshedding.
New project to provide 100MW of power
According to eNCA, the facilities’ combined output is expected to produce 100 megawatts of power. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that the collaboration between Eskom and City Power is necessary to make this project a success. He said the province is willing to partner with those who are willing to work with the province.
Community members concerned
Members of the Alexander community are happy about the project. They, however, were concerned about the illegal connections running rampant in the township. The community struggles in winter when the illegal connections result in transformers blowing up. Lesufi added that if members of the community vandalise infrastructure meant to improve their lives, he will not come back.
“You’ll see to finish,” he said.
He said that he will not take money meant for projects that work to repair a project that the community intentionally destroys. He also placed faith in law enforcement in ensuring that these projects are protected. The government is planning on concluding the project by the end of this year.
Netizens share disapproval
South Africans on Facebook take this project as another opportunity for politicians to loot state coffers and shared their disapproval.
Naledi Motshegare-Nomame said:
“We have solar geyser in our area that were installed years ago and just never worked. Obviously someone was given that twender but they never finished the work.”
Pape Banyana remarked:
“This trick won’t change my mind. I’m still gonna vote the ANC out.”
Ntokozo Mavovo Nkonyane observed:
“Siphoning funds for elections.”
Solly Palare added:
“It’s time for cadres of Gauteng to eat.”
Michael Phillips remarked:
“More money to steal.”
Mukovhe Darika Netshikweta exclaimed:
“Already half of it belongs to the ANC looters.”
Lesufi announces new number plates
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Panyaza Lesufi announced that the province will be dishing out new number plates from 1 April 2024.
Lesufi said that the new plates will be difficult to duplicate and will make it easier to trace criminals who use vehicles to commit their crimes. Residents are upset at the announcement as they believe that politicians will misuse the funds.
Source: Briefly News
