Hydro station for SA, Namibia?
2007-10-11 18:51
Pretoria - The presidents of South Africa and Namibia have given the go-ahead to see if a hydro-electrical power station could be built on the Orange River between the two countries.
Thabo Mbeki hosted his Namibian counterpart Hifikepunye Pohamba for a bilateral economic meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Thursday.
"I think on the basis of today's discussions the two governments have agreed where potential has been identified, work should proceed," Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa said.
The decision comes as South Africa again experienced blackouts throughout the country due to load shedding.
Namibia was also not left unscathed as the country's power utility Nampower was forced to reduce its power imports from South Africa.
SA wants more power
South African government spokesperson Themba Maseko said Eskom was doing everything it could to increase the capacity for electricity generation as quickly as possible.
"Its going to require a change of mindset of all South Africans while we give Eskom the space to increase capacity," he said, urging businesses and the public to use electricity sparingly.
- SAPA