One of the initiatives under a big push for municipalities to become more energy independent includes retrofitting streetlights with solar supply rather than the grid energy, says the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).<\/p>\n
Responding to a parliamentary Q&A this week, the department said that it plans to assist municipalities in taking energy generation and electricity security into their own hands through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) to achieve the directive outlined by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DMRE)<\/p>\n
Proposals under the MISA initiative include providing support to municipalities to implement solar high mast lighting<\/strong> that is not dependent on the grid for energy using funding from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).<\/p>\n The provision of alternative energy generation in municipal buildings and critical infrastructure – like that which surrounds water treatment plants and more – are also included.<\/p>\n “MISA is further developing a proposal to be completed at the end of May 2023<\/strong> for the grid electrification programme to be earmarked for rooftops solar panels on health facilities, schools and any other public facilities, particularly in rural areas,” said the department.<\/p>\n Following president Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, then head of infrastructure in the presidency, Kgosientso Ramokgopa – who is now the country’s new minister of electricity – noted that processes were underway to move all three tiers of government off the national grid.<\/p>\n Ramokgopa said that the government had, at the time, secured 320 megawatts of power to move departments, including the country\u2019s correctional facilities, off the grid \u2013 adding that hospitals and water reservoirs would follow.<\/p>\n He said that the ultimate goal is to move all government departments off the national grid, spinning the plan as a move to help the country with the energy crisis by reducing the demand.<\/p>\n However, some believe the plan comes across as a cynical move from the government to spare itself from the worst of load shedding \u2013 using public resources, no less \u2013 while leaving the rest of the country to suffer.<\/p>\n According to Efficient Group chief economist, Dawie Roodt,\u00a0the plan shows a clear motion of no confidence in government, by government.<\/p>\n Even the government has lost faith in government<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n