The South African government has remained silent about negotiations between Eskom with the National Treasury aimed at assisting the struggling power utility with money to buy diesel, but efforts are ongoing as it hopes to keep the lights on amid escalating levels of power cuts.
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) yesterday did not want to be drawn into the matter, and referred all queries about Eskom’s request for additional funding to the Treasury.
Treasury, however, also referred to its statement issued last week where it said the staggered nature of the budget process made it difficult to consider and accommodate any adhoc funding requests outside of this process.
In a statement, Treasury said it would continue with the engagements with the DPE and Eskom aimed at identifying solutions to this matter, as it was acutely aware of the impact that diesel shortages might have on already severe levels of load shedding.
It said Eskom did not apply for funding through the budget process and Eskom management should therefore take all necessary steps to ensure that they secure the diesel needed to avert severe load shedding.