The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti, together with residents and dignitaries celebrated as they switched on the electricity to 461 households in the Nomzamo: Pholile A5-A10 informal settlement on 24 February 2021.
On Wednesday, 24 February 2021, the City connected 461 households to the electricity grid in the Nomzamo: Pholile A5-A10 informal settlement in Strand. 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.
‘It was a special day for the City and the Nomzamo: Pholile A5-A10 community and we are proud that the project has connected 461 households to the electricity grid, thus far. Staff and contractors have been working on this project since September 2020 and it is expected to be completed in March 2021, if all goes according to plan. This electrification project will enhance the community’s living conditions as well as the safety of the residents who can now move away from dangerous open flames or lighting. The City thanks the community and the contractors for their hard work and support.
‘A total of R1.8 million in the current financial year was spent on this phase of the project, which will allow economic activity to be created and improved in the community. Since the reopening of schools earlier this month and learners being back in their classrooms, many learners can now comfortably study at night without having to use candlelight. The City thanks the community for their patience while the work continues and we remain committed to providing electricity services in our supply areas and on City-owned land where it is possible to do so.
‘We encourage residents to look after the infrastructure and report any tampering and illegal connections. Any suspicious activities may be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or to the City. In recent months, the City has seen a significant increase in vandalism and damage to its electrical infrastructure in some areas, and attacks on City staff and contractors continue. Although the City remains utterly committed to service delivery, the safety of our staff and contractors who are servicing our communities through basic service provision remains of utmost consideration,’ said Councillor Maxiti.
To report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure:
- SMS: 31220
- Email: power@capetown.gov.za
Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:
Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. This would include information about illegal connection syndicates or unlawful occupation ‘shack farming’ syndicates as this is having an immense impact on City services, planned projects, committed budgets and on our communities at large. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.