Eskom this week signed a US$2.5 billion loan agreement with the China Development Bank.

The funds will be funnelled into the utility’s build programme with a specific focus on the Kusile Power Station.

According to the utility the investment is befits its current build programme because the long-term government guaranteed facility will allow Eskom to draw down on the facility up to a period of five years from the effective date.

Eskom’s Group Chief Executive Phakamani Hadebe said the agreement cements Eskom’s long-standing relationship with China Development Bank.

“China Development Bank remains a valued partner and a key contributor to the progress achieved by Eskom in executing the current build programme. We view the conclusion of this facility as a demonstration of financial markets confidence in Eskom’s path to recovery and the plans to transition the company towards sustainability”.

Calib Cassim, Eskom’s Acting Chief Financial Officer added: “The successful conclusion of this facility brings Eskom in line with the company’s commitment to imminently secure 62% of the financial year 2018/19 funding requirement, as communicated at the results presentation on 23 July 2018.

“Both local and international financial markets have demonstrated an improved appetite for Eskom’s credit and we are confident that we will fully execute the required funding for the year. Our liquidity levels are continuing to improve and our financial sustainability is on the mend”, Casim concluded.