Eskom promises to complete Kusile on time

Kusile Power Station. Image: Wikipedia

“This project budget remains unchanged. Through the annual shareholder compact, Eskom is measured on the delivery of major milestones for both Medupi and Kusile projects. The status of the project schedule, progress and mitigation actions are monitored through regular executive engagements with the Department of Public Enterprises," Deputy President David Mabuza told the National Council of Provinces.

Delays

Delays at Unit 4 to Unit 6 are due to contractor financial, commercial and contractual issues.

“However, the project team is pursuing rigorous schedule recovery plans for achievements of milestones that are at risk. We are advised that the plans are sufficient to complete the Kusile project within the set target dates. The commercial operation target dates for the remaining three units are January 2023 for Unit 4, December 2023 for Unit 5 and May 2024 for Unit 6.

“Furthermore, we can report that during our visit to Kusile Power Station last month, the Political Task Team on Eskom was encouraged by the progress being made and the commitment by management to implement appropriate risk management plans and design defect modifications," he said.

The deputy president said measures have been put in place to strengthen project monitoring, oversight and assurance capability, which will result in increased controls over productivity, and ensure contractor and suppliers quality inputs to avoid schedule and cost overruns.