Member of Parliament, Natasha Michael, says her portfolio committee is particularly interested in information relating to the quantity, quality and nature of coal stored in the silos. In a letter to the minister she writes: “As you know, the use of wet coal would increase the risk of damage to silos. Given previous media reports detailing Eskom’s widespread use of wet coal, I believe this is a legitimate concern that should be directly addressed by your department.
“All contracts relating to the construction of Medupi and Kusile power stations. We have long been denied access to this information. In the spirit of openness, accountability and constructive engagement with the opposition I would like to invite you to share all of this information with the committee.
“In addition, I request that you respond to the other points I raised in recent communication to you:
– Will your department freeze executive pay at Eskom, currently totaling R60 million a year?
– Can you give us assurances that load shedding will not continue for the rest of the year?
– Will you rescind the R63 million sponsorship deal Eskom has signed with the New Age newspaper?
– Will you invite the Portfolio Committee to an urgent oversight visit of the Majuba power station?
– Will you or Eskom publicly explain the plan to ensure that no further blackouts take place this year?
– Providing answers to these questions will greatly aid the Portfolio Committee in executing effective oversight over the many challenges facing your department.
“The current situation at Eskom and other SOEs is damaging to our economy and to our international reputation and cannot continue along the current trajectory of continual bailouts and failure to deliver.
“Power outages are jeopardising countless jobs, and it cannot be tolerated any longer. It is simply scandalous that our country has to face a crisis that could have been avoidable with proper planning and administration by those in power.”
