Ramokgopa praises Eskom engineers for restoration of Medupi unit 4

MINISTER for Electricity and Energy Kgosientso Ramokgopa has said the restoration of Medupi Unit 4 generator, which has ramped up to an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 82% and the power station's EAF to 84% from a R2 billion budget was a significant engineering feat by Eskom engineers.

- BANELE GININDZA

However, he admitted there were still problems to be tackled at the Matimba power stations, which was blamed for the last bout of loadshedding after about a year's hiatus.

Speaking during the tour of Medupi and Matimba power stations as part of the continued oversight on Eskom's Recovery Plan, Ramokgopa said the contribution of the engineers, who were unheralded, unsung heroes was important as there had been a noticeable surge in performance.

He said the recovery of Unit 4 after four years of a catastrophic failure is an engineering feat in that the team has been able to bring to generation much earlier than anticipated, led by two young, black, exceptionally talented women leading a team of multidisciplinary engineers from the various fields across the spectrum. Ramokgopa especially picked out Medupi General Manager Thozama Gangi and Zandi Shange General Manager for projects at both Kusile and Medupi for praise.