[ Home ]
[ Speeches & statements ]
Speaking notes for the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, at the electrification ceremony in Mbizana, Eastern Cape
15 March 2009
Programme Director
Mayor and Deputy Mayor who have graced this occasion
Traditional leaders within our midst
Councillors present here
Director-General Advocate Sandile Nogxina
Officials from all three spheres of government
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
I am honoured to once again be amongst you. It is always gratifying to have interaction with people of our country that are passionate about their country and are always keen to find out how their lives will continue to be better.
The history of liberation can never be complete without the mention of this area, Mbizana. Stalwarts and leading lights of our freedom, for example Oliver Reginald Tambo and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, have the name of Mbizana as their birthplace.
Our freedom cannot be complete without rural development. Rural development cannot be a reality without the provision of electricity, a basic service. The provision of electricity is the backbone of government's commitment to service delivery and a better life. Furthermore, provision of electricity is a means of mitigating against not just energy poverty but poverty in its entirety.
Mayor and honoured guests, the province of the Eastern Cape is one of the poorest in the country. In pursuit of attaining the ideals of the mandate and vision of the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME), as well as delivering a better life for all, the severity of the situation in Ward 19 led to a review of the electrification process options available. A decision was made to bring the process forward.
Construction of feeder lines for the Ludeke power station will begin in April and end in December 2009, with a commitment of R6,2 million towards it. While pre-engineering and designs will run from April to July, the construction of network will follow from August 2009 to February 2010. These processes have R20 million and will be spent on about 1 500 households. The energisation of Ward 19 is set for March 2010.
Ward 13, Vuyisile, is another that has had challenges of electricity delivery due to matters that have since been reviewed and corrected. The DME has now set aside R6,4 million for 500 connections. Marketing and surveying started in January and will end this month, March 2009, Designs will be completed in April, and construction will commence in May and end in December 2009. Vuyisile will be energised in December 2009.
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
15 March 2009