WE have felt it necessary to voice our concerns with regards to the electricity predicament that we find ourselves in here in South Africa in particular our lovely Paarl Valley.
Our family has owned and operated a pie baking business which has been based in the Paarl Valley for the last 15 years.
We are heavily dependent on electricity for every stage of our production process and the losses that we have experienced (emotional as well as financial) as a result of power outages have been astronomical to say the least.
We are not saying that we are anything special, as all the businesses in Paarl have experienced losses.
However we are concerned that while everyone is experiencing difficulties, only a portion of businesses seem to be trying to reduce consumption.
And why the focus also seems to be directed toward mainly the private sector is puzzling - surely all businesses need to toe the line as well?
Our main concern is that while we understand the need for security lighting to prevent crime, is it really necessary to leave an entire office block’s lights on throughout the whole night?
We also understand that light- ing plays an important role in advertising products like vehicles and food, but after hours the majority of the lighting could be switched off with selective lighting being used to still highlight the products. Some compromises need to made for the benefit of everyone, surely?
We should publicise the successes of businesses in reducing power consumption, and high- light the failures as well.
This is not a case of “we can afford to pay the bill” anymore, but the conservation of what appears will be a scarce resource for the next ten years for the benefit of all.
Llew, Murray, Lisa Roberts
