The City of Johannesburg through its wholly owned entity City Power successfully unveiled the recommissioned open gas turbine at the John Ware Substation in Fordsburg on 17 April 2024. City Power was approached by the Gauteng Provincial Government as the implementing agent of the Gauteng Energy Response Plan. The launch of the substation thus forms part of the provincial government’s energy plan to add 100 megawatts of electricity to the grid to mitigate the impact of load shedding in Gauteng. The substation will generate 50 MW of electricity into the grid. Executive Mayor Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda said that the launch marks a significant milestone for City Power and the communities it serves. “It directly results in improved power reliability and stability resulting from the recommissioned turbine which will benefit businesses, households, and public services in the area.” Mayor Gwamanda also thanked Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, CEO of City Power Tshifularo Mashava and the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, for the phenomenal teamwork that has brought the recommissioning to life.
He said that it is inspiring to witness the amount of dedication that stems from a team working towards the betterment of Johannesburg as the Government of Local Unity.
“The support from the province undoubtedly plays a crucial role in achieving strategic priorities. Collaboration and partnerships between different levels of government are essential for addressing challenges and driving progress. By aligning efforts and resources, you can maximize the effectiveness in meeting the needs of residents and advancing the city’s development goals,” said Mayor Gwamanda.
Premier Lesufi said that this is a historic moment for the metro and the province. “It is a clear demonstration to our opponents that 18 months ago this municipality didn’t have 50 megawatts and today we are contributing 50 megawatts that were not there. And that is the commitment.
“Next month, we are bringing in another 50 megawatts and by the next financial year, another 100, and by then we will have almost 200 to 300 new megawatts that were not there, something we should have done many years ago,” he added.
City Power also looks forward to maintaining the momentum in its efforts to enhance infrastructure and service delivery.
This positive momentum can inspire further initiatives and investments in the future.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
18/04/2024
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