The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Area South, Councillor Eddie Andrews, switched on the electricity supply at Die Gaatjie informal settlement on 13 December 2017.
Yesterday Cllr Eddie Andrews attended a switch-on ceremony at Die Gaatjie informal settlement in the Diep River area. Residents were connected to the electricity grid for the first time, and are now able to light their homes and connect their appliances safely.
In line with the objectives of the Organisational Development and Transformation Plan to excel in the delivery of basic services to informal settlements and backyarders, the City has installed 76 new electricity connections and public lighting infrastructure in the settlement. The total project cost was approximately R900 000.
The settlement is located on land owned by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa who, after a period of negotiations, provided permission for the settlement to receive electricity connections.
‘It brings us great satisfaction to see the relief and happiness on the faces of these residents. Many of us can be guilty of taking electricity of granted, so to be a part of this ceremony and celebration was fulfilling for us. Witnessing the reaction of residents first-hand was also highly motivating,’ said Cllr Andrews.