State-owned power utility Eskom’s new build programme is firmly committed to assisting and empowering the communities in the areas surrounding its projects.

With each new construction project, the aim is to leave the area socially enriched at the end of the build, with improved local infrastructure and a sustainable legacy of socioeconomic development, said Eskom Medupi power station GM Roman Crookes at a press conference earlier this month in Lephalale, Limpopo.

The construction of the Medupi coal-fired power station, he noted, was no different and had been undertaken with this social responsibility in mind.

“The intention of the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives during the con- struction of the power plant is to encourage and facilitate sustainability in the areas surrounding the site, alleviate poverty and build strong relationships with the communities, apart from the skills development and training that is provided from the build itself,” Crookes explained.

The 2001 census indicated that there were 85 500 people residing in rural communities and 19 500 residing in urban communities in the area where the power station is being built. The local population has increased significantly since the start of construction on the power station and the establishment of other related industries.

“As a result, the Medupi CSI programme is of particular importance to ensure that as many people as possible benefit,” Crookes pointed out.

The Medupi CSI plan is focused on empowerment and improvement in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and sustainability, with many CSI initiatives having been rolled out to date.

“Eskom has contributed to the infrastructure of Lephalale by upgrading three main roads to the value of R180-million to ease the congestion caused by the 14 000 workers who commute to the construction site daily, as well as building a new sewage treatment plant and reinstating the sprinkler system at Marapong oxidation ponds to the value of R31-million,” he pointed out, adding that R10-million was provided to upgrade the electricity infrastructure of the town through the supply and installation of the 10 MVA transformers.

Eskom donated six mobile classrooms to Ellisras Hoërskool and Laerskool Ellisras and sponsored six teachers’ salaries at Ellisras Hoërskool and Laerskool Ellisras, as well as Bosveld Primary School for 24 months.

Since the start of construction, Eskom has also donated ten desktop computers to a local high school, as well as library and learning material to local primary schools. Local crèches and preschools have also been supported by Eskom, as the power utility understands the critical importance of early childhood development.

Eskom’s main contractors working on the project are also committed to CSI and are assisting in upgrading the infrastructure and facilities at local schools.

In terms of healthcare, Eskom donated three wellness clinics and medical equipment to the value of R3.8-million to several local clinics in Ga-Seleka, Fox Odendaal, Marapong, Shongoane, Abbortspoort, Steenbokpan and Onverwacht. Eskom also donated wheelchairs and HIV/Aids care kits to the Marapong HIV/Aids Care Group and funded mobile clinics, thereby empowering locals to continue making a difference in their own communities.

Eskom has also helped to expand clinics in Seleka, Lephalale and Ellisras and to improve capacity and care by donating three cabins; the power utility also improved working conditions for nursing staff by donating accommodation for them.

The Medupi project has invested R2.3-billion in housing infrastructure in Lephalale. To date, Eskom has built 995 houses and bought 321 houses in the Lephalale area.

The sustainability aspects of the CSI programme have included environmental projects in the surrounding communities, environmental awareness campaigns in schools and the establishment of food gardens.