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10 March 2009

The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica will embark on the government electrification programme in the following municipalities: Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, the Ugu District Municipal boundaries and Mbizana Local Municipality is situated in the Eastern Cape Province within the OR Tambo District Municipality.

The electricity household backlog since, 31 March 2008, in KwaZulu-Natal is 813 315 with one percent growth in rural areas and two percent growth in urban areas per annum and the schools backlog is at 2 130. KwaZulu-Natal account for 24 percent of the total national backlog of 3,3 million households.

The number of un-electrified houses in the Mbizana Local Municipality is estimated at 33 817 with an annual growth of one percent. The municipality constitutes about 17 percent of the total district backlog of 199,834.

In addition, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces have mountainous topographies and housing densities that require construction of new bulk infrastructure and strengthening of existing electricity networks for achieving additional connections.

Both events will take place as follows:

Ntlozelo electrification project launch

Date: 14 March 2009
Time: 10h00
Place :( Ntlozelo Ward 9) Mbizana Local Municipality, Bizana Eastern Cape Province

Latshoda electrification project launch

Date: 15 March 2009
Time: 11h00
Place: Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, KwaMzimakwe Village Port Shepston, KwaZulu Natal Province

NB: Transport will be available from Durban (Playhouse) 07h30 to Port Shepston on 15 March 2009.

RSVPs before Thursday, 13h30 with:

Elizabeth Leeuw or Solly Phetla
Tel: 012 679 9041
Fax: 012 769 9061
Cell: 082 828 0048 or 076 765 3863
E-mail: Elizabeth.leeuw@dme.gov.za or dmemedia@gmail.com

Enquiries:
Zingaphi Jakuja
Tel: 012 679 9079
Fax: 012 769 9061
Cell: 082 453 2434
E-mail: zingaphi.jakuja@dme.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
10 March 2009