Dear Editor
Owing to the disastrous Stage 6 blackouts experienced earlier this year, the provincial Department of Health and Wellness revealed that they spent R21.8 million on diesel fuel supplies between April and June.
With the national government’s inability to resolve the energy crisis, the Department is also currently formulating a back-up rollout plan for priority primary healthcare facilities and other facilities as well. I will be submitting parliamentary questions to determine the current progress being made in this regard.
As rolling blackouts resumed this weekend, it once again poses a serious risk to service delivery in our society, especially that of our healthcare sector. In hospitals and other facilities, there are various instruments that are sensitive to operational changes and cannot be switched on or off like one does with a light bulb. These pieces of equipment require a constant supply of electricity in order to be functionable and there are many lives which quite literally dependent on them.
Despite these circumstances, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) still has chosen to not exempt health care facilities from rolling blackouts. This is not only concerning, but exposes the national government’s priorities, or rather the lack thereof.
MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander says: “It is shocking that the delivery of quality services in our province has to be threatened by a national government that is unable to ensure a stable supply of electricity. The provincial Department pays its utility bills within 30 days and ensures that our facilities are sufficiently capacitated against blackouts. Over the past eight financial years, the Department has thus far has spent R57 million on installations with annual maintenance costs averaging R2.4 million.
These examples are a result of competent and responsible DA governance, and we look forward to even more progress being made in this regard.”
Regards
Wendy Kaizer-Philander, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health
