Analyst: State of disaster can expedite procurement in energy sector

JOHANNESBURG - Declaring South Africa's energy crisis as a national state of disaster would cut red tape and expedite procurement requirements in the energy sector.

Energy Analyst Ruse Moleshe says the country's notoriously slow policy processes can be circumvented through disaster regulations, just as they were during the COVID pandemic.

This could also allow for consultation with original manufacturers to determine the root cause of the recurring breakdowns.

READ: WATCH | Calls for state of disaster on energy crisis at ANC Lekgotla

While it would help address some of the country's energy concerns, a state of disaster is not likely to keep the lights on in the short term.

Moleshe says the only way to fix some of the ailing power stations is to take them offline.

He adds if power cuts are to be stopped, other interventions - such as a power ship - would be required.

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