GOOD Statement by Thyrone Williams,
GOOD Saldanha Bay Councillor & West Coast Regional Organiser
18 October 2023
The GOOD Party in Saldanha Bay welcomes the Municipality’s plan to become energy independent amid the ongoing energy crisis and its devastating economic impact.
The Municipality is issuing a tender at the end of this month to procure 100MW of baseload power from independent power producers. This will be specifically from gas and renewable energy projects.
While it will take some time for the power to actually feed into the grid (understood to be three years from when the tender is awarded), it is an encouraging and important development for the people of Saldanha Bay.
Like many other communities across the country, Saldanha Bay’s people and local economy have felt the crippling effects of the prolonged, unpredictable power cuts.
One of the fastest and most effective ways to add additional power is with renewable energy provided by independent power producers. For this to happen, fast and decisive action is necessary to bring the necessary reliable partners on board.
As GOOD, we hope that not only will this project be sufficient to provide for the Municipality’s total energy needs, but it could also provide various economic opportunities for residents.
It is imperative for the country as a whole to take concrete steps towards long-term, sustainable sources for our energy needs. But this transition should always be just and include the needs community.
Media Enquiries:
Thyrone Williams, GOOD Saldanha Bay Councillor
Cell: 073 427 6308
Email: wthyrone@gmail.com
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za