Project Z – Lynk set to take off in Newcastle
Project Z-Lynk is set to take ground in July this year and will be financed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The United Kingdom (UK) delegation and Northumbria Chamber of Commerce visited Newcastle for the signing of a business agreement on Friday, February 26.
This follows Mayor, Afzul Rehman’s visit to Newcastle UK last year, where he came to an agreement with the North-East Chamber of Commerce and Northumbria Energy Limited, that they would come to South Africa and inspect the Newcastle Municipality electricity systems, in order for a new energy system to be implemented.
Northumbria is a UK based company that specialises in energy control and load management and has so far proved to be the best in the electricity control field.
Two weeks ago, they sent two of their best engineers to inspect the electricity systems of Newcastle South Africa, where they came to the conclusion they would start a pilot project.
Director of Economical Development, Ferdie Alberts said the system allowed more sufficient control over electricity usage, and could control street lights, geysers and even air conditioners. It also allowed better usage of energy, therefore eliminating the chances of being affected by load shedding.
“If the test pilot is a success and the other municipalities join the project, a factory will be built in Newcastle which will also help create jobs in our town,” said Mr Alberts.
Project Z-Lynk is set to take ground in July this year and will be financed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The proceeding of the test pilot has already been approved by Eskom and the South African Government Association, and has also got ties with Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town in hopes to better our energy usage in South Africa.
At the meeting on Friday, Mayor Afzul Rehman and the UK delegates discussed the benefits of the energy project and agreed to join hands in the project.
Cllr Rehman and the Chairman of the International Trade of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, Tim Cantle-Jones signed an agreement of Memorandum of Understanding, allowing the proceedings to take place.
For any further information regarding the Z-lynk information, Ferdie Alberts can be contacted on 034 328 3316.
