Mbombela - Petrochemical giant Sasol plans to spend nearly R100 million to build essential infrastructure.
The New York Stock Exchange-listed company will even send a team of engineers to help save the clogged sewerage system in Embalenhle, a few kilometres from its major plants outside Secunda.
"(The) company has committed R70 million for the Govan Mbeki local municipality and R25 million for Dipaleseng local municipality through their social and labour plan projects," said Premier David Mabuza's spokesman Zibonele Mncwango.
Mncwango said this was announced at a meeting between Premier Mabuza and Sasol's group executive member Maurice Radebe.
He said the provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding with Sasol to get the company to invest more in the province and also help with improving social infrastructure.
He explained that Sasol needed government to partner with them in terms of manpower and other management logistics for their projects.
Sasol will buy two new sewer trucks for Charl Cilliers, help with water connections in Kinross, erect a fire station Leandra and upgrade the Emzinoni stadium.
In Lebohang and Embalenhle, sewerage plants will be upgraded, footbridges will be built and street lights will be installed.
Sasol has also set aside money to clean-up rubbish from Embalenhle, prevent crime, improve security at schools and upgrade roads in Metsimaholo.
The company has also invested nearly R10 million at Osizweni Skills Development Centre to improve performance in maths, science and technology among local pupils.
"We see it befitting to partner and seek leadership from the provincial government in order to ensure that these projects are a success and that they leave a lasting positive impact in the communities where we do our business," said Radebe.
