Entries by

DBSA gears up to fill Covid-induced municipal funding gaps

Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), which recently disbursed loans worth R4.5-billion to two Gauteng metropolitan councils to support ongoing infrastructure delivery amid coronavirus-induced liquidity constraints, reports that it is gearing up to support several other municipalities to help close funding gaps that have arisen during the pandemic. Between June and July, the State-owned development finance institution disbursed a R3-billion loan to the City of Johannesburg and R1.5-billion to the City of Tshwane for the roll-out of infrastructure programmes, including the construction and upgrade of electrical, water, sanitation, refuse, road and stormwater facilities, as well as to support human settlements projects.
August 7, 2020 by

Peaceful use of nuclear tech underscores its value to Africa’s developmental needs

The development and peaceful use of nuclear technology could further underscore its value by helping to meet Africa’s developmental needs, says African Commission on Nuclear Energy (Afcone) executive secretary Messaoud Baaliouamer. He says the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology has already proven to be beneficial in human health, such as in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of noncommunicable diseases.
August 7, 2020 by

SAFCEI encourages govt to reconsider its nuclear ambitions

According to the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), the South African government should rather shift its renewed interest in building new nuclear power generation capacity to ethical, equitable and sustainable energy plans.

As “South Africa faces another push for nuclear energy” when the country is in crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic, SAFCEI is calling for “no more nuclear energy”.

August 7, 2020 by

Deputy President Mabuza blames struggling municipalities for Eskom woes

Deputy President David Mabuza has blamed the failure of municipalities to pay their debt to Eskom for ongoing service delivery issues. In replies to written questions from the National Council of Provinces submitted on 5 August, Mabuza said municipalities experiencing severe electricity challenges were often suffering as a result of usage in excess of the notified maximum demand, as well as a failure to honour debt repayment to Eskom.
August 7, 2020 by

Smart-Farming initiative supports food security

Engineering solutions company BMG’s Boer Slim and/or Smart-Farming agricultural team works closely with farmers throughout Southern Africa, assisting them with the selection, installation and operation of new electromechanical systems. These projects are designed to improve efficiencies, reduce energy consumption and limit maintenance requirements.
August 7, 2020 by

Pump rentals effective contingency plan to ensure food security

When a pump used for agricultural applications fails, it poses a significant risk to the food production cycle, revenue generation and, ultimately, the food supply chain during a time when South Africa is facing food-security pressure. The local agriculture industry cannot afford to lose crops through a lack of irrigation, says compressor and generator rental company Rand-Air business development manager Henry Fourie.
August 7, 2020 by