The Ingula pumped storage scheme, which has allegedly seen costs balloon from R8.9bn to R36bn, has pumped billions into South Africa’s limping economy.
Eskom said in a statement on Wednesday that Ingula has spent R6bn towards small businesses involving black women and youth and R20m towards the upgrading of schools.Ingula, situated between Ladysmith and Harrismith in the Little Drakensberg, is a peaking hydro power station, meaning it can supply electricity during times of peak demand.
It consists of an upper and a lower dam or reservoir and a powerhouse located 116 storeys underground in two excavated underground caverns.
“Over the years, Eskom has utilised the new build projects to support government’s aspirations of improving the lives of its citizens especially at local government level,” said Eskom group executive for group capital Abram Masango.
He said at least more than 2000 of the Ingula labour force were recruited from local communities and municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces.
At peak there were more than 4000 workers on site.
“Ingula has spent R6.27bn towards black women-owned enterprises, black youth-owned enterprises and small and medium enterprises, exceeding many of the national targets set in these categories,” said Masango.
Eskom in partnership with CMI Joint Venture also pledged a R50m donation towards the construction of a new neonatal ward and much-needed general refurbishments at the Ladysmith Regional Hospital.
“Eskom is proud of the work that the Ingula project has achieved since inception.
We are grateful to all our stakeholders, especially our host municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State and communities, for working and partnering with us to deliver the much-needed megawatts into the national grid. Together we have achieved more and triumphed despite all challenges,” Masango said.
