19 May 2021

Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is making headways in achieving sufficient power for local demand, the corporation’s chief executive officer has said.

During a recent visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Wildlife, Tourism, Natural Resources and Climate Change to the BPC power plants in Palapye, Mr David Kgoboko said remedial works for Morupule B Power plant were in progress while refurbishment of Morupule A that was currently operating on full capacity was completed in the previous financial year.

He, however, said BPC was experiencing challenges in power generation and transmission distribution operations due to maintenance backlog, but said mitigation strategies were being implemented to address the challenges.

Mr Kgoboko said BPC had made milestones towards green technology by implementing solar photovoltaic projects in order to contribute to the country’s energy mix, also in line with the integrated resource plan.

The committee’s chairperson and also Member of Parliament for Nata/Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga acknowledged progress made towards refurbishing Morupule A and the remedial works at the Morupule B power station. 

He pledged government’s support to the corporation’s efforts to provide consistent and sufficient power to the local market.

He stated that the committee existed to ensure that power generation programmes were carried out effectively and efficiently.

Mr Majaga commended BPC for diversifying operations from thermal power generation and introducing solar power energy into grid saying the latter would reduce power shortage in the country.

Committee member and Francistown East MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi raised a concern about the high electricity tariffs and requested BPC to consider revisiting them while another member, Kgalagadi North MP, Ms Talita Monnakgotla challenged the corporation to employ more women in order to diffuse the thinking that mine work was only meant for men.

The area MP, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi appreciated the visit and the corporation’s willingness to share information saying such could limit questions in Parliament about its performance. ENDS