A multi stakeholder engagement meeting was held at Namakwari Guest Lodge on September 27, 2018 in Kathu, aimed at introducing Kathu Operations – a reputable company that will deal with the running of the plant which will produce solar energy at commercial magnitude.
The company is taking over from the Kathu Solar Park as soon as it completes its construction work which started in May 2016 and is projected to complete its construction phase in the first quarter of 2019.
The chief executive officer of Kathu Operations Mr Julian Nair said that the plant will produce about 100 megawatts of solar energy.
“Since the construction of the plant is nearing completion, we are bringing the operations team with ideal expertise in the production of renewable energy in the industry. We have been engaged by the Kathu Solar Consortium to start plant operations and with the support of our broad stakeholders that include municipalities around we see ourselves in a collective to transform the fortunes of the region and province.
This new team, I must emphasise, will work closely with the community because the project basically is meant to benefit the local community as a priority. The operations have kicked off and 100% owned by South Africans. We despatch the energy to Eskom who logistically do the distribution according to demand and supply. This is the fourth renewable energy plant in the country. We are turning the potential of this province to create opportunities while growing the economy.”
Mr Nair said that the province has been in great neglect in terms of development hence it was deemed necessary to bring the project to stimulate its growth. He further hinted that health and safety measures in the operations are a priority in the sector. Currently the company is in the mobilisation phase of staff and in its full capacity will absorb about seventy five workers. The host mayor of Gamagara local municipality councillor Nelson Hantise said that Kathu is home to investors and encouraged them to assist or partner with local emerging business aspirants.
