It's the growing economy - Zuma

2008-01-28 22:20

Johannesburg - The country's power crisis is an "unintended consequence" of the country's growing economy, ANC president Jacob Zuma said at the University of Zurich on Monday.

According to a copy of his speech released by the party in Johannesburg, Zuma said: "The strides we have made since 1994 in growing our economy and improving the quality of life of our people have brought along such a serious pressure on our energy sources.

"South Africans have in recent weeks, as you may have heard, experienced power outages. The government has declared a national electricity emergency to deal with the energy challenge."

Zuma said that the government had called on all citizens to "become part of a national movement to conserve electricity in their residential areas and workplaces whilst ensuring that key functions, safety and security are not compromised".

"While government admits that planning could have been better a few years ago, we must also appreciate that we have a growing economy that is working at full capacity.

2010

"In addition, the rising standards of living, and the fact that close to 3.5 million homes now have access to electricity since 1994, have put increasing demands on our electricity utility Eskom," he said.

Zuma said that the current crisis would not adversely affect the country's ability to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

"We have been assured by the government and other key roleplayers that there is no threat to the 2010 Soccer World Cup spectacular as plans to ensure electricity security during that period are well advanced."

Speaking about the high level of crime in the country, Zuma said that the government aimed to reduce serious and violent crime by "7% to 10% per year".

"There are various measures that are being put in place to achieve this and other crime busting goals," he said.

Speaking about the World Economic Forum, Zuma said that the South African delegation appreciated the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences "while also learning from others on how they deal with challenges similar or different from ours in their own countries".

- SAPA