The City’s Energy teams connected a further 20 informal homes to the electricity grid in Great Dutch Street, Nyanga. This R600 000 electrification project has immediately enhanced the living conditions of the families in the area. In older existing settlements in City-supplied areas and on City land, almost 100% of informal settlements are connected to electricity. Read more below:
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, and teams visited the Great Dutch areas in Nyanga to connect 20 more families to the electricity grid. In the 2024/2025 financial year (FY), the City connected 121 homes in informal settlements across the city, and continues to connect many more where it is feasible to do so.
| Number of informal settlement electrification projects completed in the 2024/2025 FY | 12 informal settlement electrification projects across the metro |
‘Today we celebrate with 20 more families as we switch on the lights in their homes for the first time. This electrification project brings safe and reliable electricity to 20 households in Great Dutch street, in Nyanga.
‘We are committed to assisting as many families as possible and we will continue to make a positive impact on residents in the communities we serve. Our informal settlement electrification projects are not only about connecting homes to the grid; it is about empowering families, creating opportunities and building a brighter future for all.
‘This particular project, which connected homes in the Great Dutch informal areas one to three, started in October 2024 and we are pleased to have completed all connections ahead of schedule. The project involved installing electricity poles and infrastructure as well as connecting electricity meters in the homes of the beneficiaries. In addition, beneficiaries will also enjoy relief with an allocation of up to 60 units of free basic electricity (FBE) on the City’s subsidised Lifeline Tariff. The City’s teams have worked diligently to ensure that all infrastructure is safe and reliable and we encourage residents to contact us as soon as possible should they experience any issues. We thank the community for working with us for the duration of this project and we look forward to connecting many more homes across the city,’ said Alderman Limberg.
The City’s electrification projects in informal settlements aims to:
· Improve the health and well-being of residents
· Enhance security in the area
· Improve educational outcomes of students and learners in the area
· Create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses
Let’s ACT: Protect Your Power against theft, illegal connections and vandalism:
Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre: 021 480 7700
