Tshwane market gets R4m power boost
The Pretoria West-based market is the second-largest fresh produce market in the country and received four additional generators and a perimeter wall.
The Tshwane Food Market has been capacitated with four new additional generators.
The newly installed emergency generators and extended perimeter wall at the Tshwane Market in the west of Pretoria will now permit fewer disruptions for electricity outages.
The Tshwane Market is the second-largest fresh produce market in the country covering more than 32 hectares. It includes 58 957m2 of market hall space, 49 ripening rooms with a capacity of 60 380 boxes of produce per week and 12 cold rooms with a capacity of 1 650 pallets of produce.
It is located at 450 President Burgers Street in Pretoria West.
The new perimeter wall creates a controlled, secure environment for traders and customers, helping to minimise risks such as theft, smuggling and other criminal activities.#ReASpana #100days
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) November 27, 2024
MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning Sarah Mabotsa said the market is dependent on a steady electricity supply to ensure the food safety of this essential market is not compromised.
“It is critical that the food and safety standards of this nationally important market are maintained. The market’s daily operations are highly dependent on a stable and continuous power supply, especially for the maintenance of cold chain management and food safety compliance,” she said.
The generators set the city back R4 332 900 and a further R2 278 530 was spent on the extension of the perimeter wall. Mabotsa insists that the expenditure is warranted.
“These investments and improvements are vital to secure the market’s role in supporting the agricultural and economic sectors in South Africa,” she said.
The market operates from 05:00 onwards catering to local and international customers, produce is purchased from suppliers worldwide and distributed across the nation and neighbouring companies.
The MMC also said security measures have been put in place to ensure the investment into the market is secured.
“The market’s assets, infrastructure and the perishable goods it handles are valuable and require protection. Without proper emergency backup and security measures, the market is vulnerable to theft, vandalism and unauthorised access and these factors can disrupt operations and compromise the safety of staff and visitors,” she said.
The new perimeter wall creates a controlled, secure environment for traders and customers, helping to minimise risks such as theft, smuggling and other criminal activities.#ReASpana #100days pic.twitter.com/GFtS1c5sGS
— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) November 27, 2024
The generators will provide backup to the market in the case of unforeseen power outages to ensure, despite any electricity woes the area or metro is facing at the time, the food quality is kept to the highest standard. They also ensure that the market continues to play its role as a key stakeholder in the country’s agricultural sector.
“Fresh produce, being perishable, requires refrigeration from the point of arrival to the point of sale. A power failure can result in immediate spoilage, wastage and loss of value for the goods. This could not only affect the financial stability of the market but also have a ripple effect across the supply chain, from suppliers to consumers. The installation of emergency power generators will guarantee that refrigeration systems remain operational, preserving the quality and safety of produce, while keeping the market in full compliance with food safety regulations,” she explained.
The extension of the perimeter wall creates a controlled, secure environment for traders and customers by helping to minimise risks such as theft, smuggling and other crimes.
Additionally, the perimeter wall also helps to regulate the flow of traffic and ensure the safer and more efficient movement of goods as well as the effectiveness of the market.
“The city’s investment in the critical infrastructure of South Africa’s second largest fresh produce market helps to ensure greater food safety for the country. The new emergency power generators guarantee that vital refrigeration systems remain operational even during power outages, thus preserving the safety and quality of the food stored and traded at the market. This means that we can ensure that the market’s fresh food is safely stored, the market is well protected and its role in and importance for the country is upheld,” she concluded.
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