/ 11 October 2007

Orange River may get hydro-electrical power station

South Africa and Namibia’s presidents has given the go-ahead to see if a hydro-electrical power station can be build in the Orange River between the two countries.

President 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 came 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 its southern neighbour.

Earlier in the day, South African government spokesperson Themba Maseko said Eskom was doing everything it could to increase the capacity for electricity generation as quickly as possible.

”It’s 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