The Western Cape Government is disappointed that Saldanha Bay was not identified as a port for the importation of natural gas in the Preliminary Information Memorandum released by the Department of Energy on 3 October 2016.
Further, there were no details provided on the Department of Energy’s plans for the 600MW allocation for natural gas in the West Coast that the National Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson gazetted in May 2016. There are many good technical reasons why Saldanha Bay should have been chosen for Phase 1, and the economic benefits for the West Coast region are enormous. Natural gas will drive industrialisation in the Western Cape and put the region and country as a whole on a greener path.
I have written to Minister Joemat-Pettersson, to request further engagement on the following matters:
We look forward to working with National Government to achieve a sustainable and affordable energy supply, including the opportunities which can be delivered by the Western Cape.
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities
Responsible for Tourism, Economic Development and Agriculture
Western Cape Government
Physical Address: 142 Long Street, Cape Town
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: bronwynnejooste