4 December 2007
At the recently held Energy Summit, 24 to 26 September 2007, the Department
of Minerals and Energy started a process of reviewing the White Paper on Energy
Policy of 1998. Part of the main issues deliberated upon was the provision of
energy services to low income households.
Consequently, an overarching integrated strategy of optimising household
energy services, with a special emphasis on low income households energy needs
and provision is being drafted. However the department recognises that while
the development of the strategy is underway, there are more pressing issues
needing urgent attention by all stakeholders. Chief amongst these are health
and safety concerns around the handling and use of illuminating paraffin in
households.
Paraffin related-incidents in South Africa are well researched and
documented. The Department of Minerals and Energy has come up with intervention
and preventative strategies to reduce and prevent paraffin related incidents
(fires, injuries, ingestion, burns etc). Given the broad scope of the project,
a two pronged approach has been adopted to address these challenges. The
Department of Minerals and Energy has mandated Central Energy Fund (CEF) (Pty)
Ltd, it is implementing agency, to conduct safe illuminating paraffin appliance
and utilisation pilot programme campaign.
The safe illuminating paraffin (IP) appliance pilot project will
involve:
* promotion of the usage of safer IP appliances while addressing problems
associated with harmful incidents caused by use of IP in low income
households
* increase awareness of the health and safety hazards related to the use of
paraffin
* promote behavioural changes with respect to handling, storage and use of
paraffin.
The IP appliance project would be undertaken over a six month period and
would consider the supply of safer paraffin stoves and heaters in two selected
areas which have previously been devastated by IP related incidents. Call for
Tenders and Evaluation of the Bidders was undertaken and the Paraffin Safety
Association (PASASA) won a tender to carry out the IP appliance pilot project
on behalf of the Department of Minerals and Energy and CEF.
Mr Mkhize the Chief Director of Hydrocarbons in the Department of Minerals
and Energy is confident that given the Paraffin Safety Association's expertise
and track record the project will be delivered within the required time frame.
He further explained that for the effectiveness and sustainability of the
project it was crucial to get an entity that is well versed with the risks of
paraffin related incidents and their impact on perpetuating poverty and
hardship among our most vulnerable citizens. The broad based presentation of
the project team provides an opportunity for a more co-ordinated government and
safer private partnership.
Stakeholder's involvement
Representation by a broad base of stakeholders is essential for the success
of any initiative. Stakeholders involved in the development and execution of
the strategy involves many people and organisations, private and public sector
and most importantly members of the community, those who best know the
concerns, problems and solutions. When Mr Muzi Mkhize, the Chief Director of
Hydrocarbons was asked why broad stakeholder representation was key for the
success of the project, he pointed out that it strengthens community support,
visibility and helps to implement a comprehensive plan that achieves the
community's goals. He further indicated that it is always a challenge to bring
diverse stakeholders together in a single project because of their difference
perspective but believes that these complexities will be closely monitored in
order to prevent project delays.
Project sustainability
The Department of Minerals and Energy will continue to investigate and
implement ways to ensure safe use of paraffin in our country. The loss of life
and property due to poor safety application of paraffin remains our main
concern. This is the reason that the department has elevated the need for the
safer handling and use of illuminating paraffin. The pilot project will add to
the body of knowledge that is the domain of stakeholders to further refine the
Integrated Household Energy Strategy.
Enquiries:
Ms Bontle Mafuna
Chief Director Communication
Tel: 012 317 8086
Fax: 012 322 4954
Cell: 082 773 2388
E-mail: Bontle.mafuna@dme.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Minerals Energy
4 December 2007
Source: Department of Minerals Energy (http://www.dme.gov.za)
