The City switched on the electricity to the first 140 households in the Dontse Yakhe informal settlement in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. The project will connect a total of 348 homes at a cost of R3,7 million. In City-supplied areas and on City-owned land, where it is possible to do so, almost all older informal settlements in the metro have been connected to electricity.
Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen and dignitaries attended the event and switched on the lights with residents for the first time.
‘This R3,7 million project will immediately enhance the residents’ living conditions as well as the safety of the community who can now reduce their dependence on gas and paraffin in their homes.
‘We are pleased to connect the homes to the electricity grid well ahead of the colder winter months and we thank the residents of Dontse Yakhe for working with us. The electrification of Dontse Yakhe will not only provide lighting to the homes of residents, but it will also unlock business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
‘The City is committed to improving the lives of residents and we will continue to assist where we are able to do so. We appeal to residents to be our eyes and to assist the City by reporting criminal activity near infrastructure to the City and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
‘Let’s ACT together by protecting electricity infrastructure because together we can make a huge difference in our communities,’ said Councillor Van Reenen.
