Rolling blackouts cost WC hospitals almost R121 million – and counting

6 March 2023

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness revealed that it has spent R120 929 367,85 on fuel for diesel generators from 1 April 2022 to 16 February 2023. This stark figure was revealed in a response to a parliamentary question posed by the DA in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament to Western Cape Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo.

Unfortunately, the Department has had no choice but to spend this money on generator fuel. Eskom’s inability to provide an adequate power supply means that the Department Department has had to spend increased funding on measures that will keep the lights on in the Western Cape’s health facilities, and save the most lives in the process.

The Minister also revealed that the first 47 days of 2023 have seen more expended on generator fuel than April, May and June of 2022 combined. This proves that the problem is becoming worse.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health Gerrit Pretorius said: “This figure clearly demonstrates the real human cost of our failing electrical grid. While I have been pleased to see the Department working on innovative solutions to shield our public health sector from the worst of loadshedding, it is clear that the only measure which will provide a lasting solution to the problem is to use a diversified grid to end loadshedding permanently, throughout South Africa.”

Issued by Gerrit Pretorius, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health, 6 March 2023