The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti, today 17 September 2020, celebrated with residents of Heinz Park informal settlement in Philippi as they switched on the electricity to their homes for the first time.
The R686 000 project comprises 36 connections that will benefit 144 residents.
Councillor Patrick Ngqu, and Subcouncil 13 Manager Lunga Bobo joined City officials, residents and Councillor Maxiti at the switch on ceremony.
‘The City is pleased with the progress that has been made to connect these households to electricity. This immediately enables living conditions to be improved and opens new doors for learning as learners do not have to do school work by candle or lamp light. It also enhances safety and enables households to move away from dangerous open flames for lighting.
‘Electricity is also a driver of economic opportunity and progress and we will continue to do everything in our power to create an enabling environment for economic growth for our residents,’ said Councillor Maxiti.
In City-supplied areas and on City-owned land, almost all informal settlements in the metro have been connected to electricity, where it has been possible to do so.