It was a celebration with the residents of the Sihlanu and Mabophe informal settlements in Nyanga as the City’s Energy Directorate connected a number of homes to the electricity grid. In City-supplied areas and on City-owned land, 99% of older existing informal settlements in the metro have been connected to the grid.
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The City’s electrification projects in Nyanga kicked off earlier this year and will immediately improve the lives of residents.
The Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, together with City staff and the community celebrated as they switched on the lights in the community for the first time.
‘This was truly a memorable occasion for us to share with the residents and these special electrification projects will provide electricity connections in the homes of many families. Connecting families to the grid has so many benefits, including enhancing livelihoods and providing safer light for learners to study by at night. Most importantly, electrifying communities where it is possible to do so, will improve the safety of communities immediately. It is a huge benefit for families as they no longer need to rely on open flames for cooking and lighting.
‘We thank all stakeholders for assisting the City with the projects and we urge the communities to be our eyes and ears and to report tampering, vandalism and illegal connections to us. Let’s ACT and let’s protect the power and keep the lights on for brighter and safer communities.
‘The City is calling on all communities to help us protect infrastructure in our neighbourhoods. We must continue to work together so that we make an impact in all areas. Report all criminals stealing or vandalising community infrastructure,’ said Councillor Mbandezi.
What teams are finding on the ground in general, in hotspot areas around the metro:
1. The destruction caused by vandalism, theft and illegal connections is so severe in some areas that entire circuits and grids need to be rebuilt, taking long to restore power. The escalating safety situation is a real threat to service delivery. The City and its contractors can only attend to service requests when it is safe to do so. Where possible, City teams are being accompanied by City law enforcement or private security when resources are available.
2. Repeated vandalism, theft and illegal connections – often within hours. The City is looking at technological innovations to reduce this risk, but teams are working under abnormal conditions.
Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre: 021 480 7700
Supplied by: City of Cape Town
