The informal settlement electrification project in Ga-Rankuwa, Zone 14 has experienced delays due to a full week of disturbances experienced on site as a result of the recent taxi strike and community protests which saw blockages of roads. Nevertheless progress will commence in due course to ensure the Msimanga administration provides the necessary services for our people without threat to life or limb.
To this end, the administration has instructed the service provider to temporarily vacate site and suspend the project until there is stability on the ground.
Zone 14 is an informal settlement located in Ga-Rankuwa, ward 32 and 39. The area has over 10 000 shacks and continues to grow as the tribal authority continues to sell pieces of stands.
Due to the number of households, the electrification project is being implemented in phases which started in the 2016/2017 financial year with a budget allocation of R33 750 000.00
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Utility Services, Cllr Darryl Moss, held a meeting with councilors and community leaders last week wherein he presented an action plan which committed that phase 1 of the electrification project will be commissioned and energised by 1 September 2017. Moss also stated that “prepaid meters installations will also follow and that the City would fix and switch on 4 high masts”
There are approximately 560 shacks which are located within unsafe areas such as electricity high voltage servitude, wetlands and flood-lines. Because of safety considerations, MMC Darryl Moss and MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, Cllr Mandla Nkomo, have been engaging the councilors and community leaders about the houses along the unsafe areas which will need to be relocated. The relocation plan will be made public in due course.
The Msimanga administration is committed to the safe, fair and equitable provision of services to all our residents and we that them for their patience thus far and ask that they work with us to ensure the provision of rudimentary services.