Life will never be the same for some informal settlements in Ward 37 after the City of Cape Town had switched the lights on for the first time in these areas on Friday 24 May.
Residents from Sihlanu and Mabophe informal areas were over the moon as Acting Mayco member for energy Siseko Mbandezi led the delegation to switch on the lights in their respective communities.
At least 55 shacks were connected at Sihlanu and 12 at Mabophe.
One of the beneficiaries Nomawethu Siswana at Sihalanu area said the installation of electricity in the vicinity was overdue.
She praised the Lord for hearing the community prayers.
“I’m over the moon. I don’t know how to explain the feeling I have right now. We’ve been struggling to get electricity for so long. Most of us were connected from the hostels and we were paying R300 every month.
“Some of us illegally connected it.”
Siswana said she has resided in the area for seven years.
Ward councillor Sandile Martin said the City was installing the electricity to some of the pocket areas in his ward.
“These shacks were built in the open spaces between the hostels. Most of them don’t have electricity which is at risk of shack fires. We are trying by all means to ensure that all the shacks have electricity to minimise the risk of shack fires.”
He urged the communities to resist building shacks on any open land because it will delay the development.
“Some of the land that illegally occupied were cited for development, but now people have invaded the land, so the City now has to wait until it has found alternative land for them.”
Mbandezi said the City’s electrification projects in Nyanga kicked off earlier this year and will immediately improve the lives of residents.
“This was truly a memorable occasion for us to share with the residents, and these special electrification projects will provide electricity connections in the homes of many families.
“Connecting families to the grid has so many benefits, including enhancing livelihoods and providing safer light for learners to study by at night.
“Most importantly, electrifying communities where it is possible to do so, will improve the safety of communities immediately. It is a huge benefit for families as they no longer need to rely on open flames for cooking and lighting.”
He said the City is grateful to all stakeholders for assisting it with projects and urged communities to be its eyes and ears and report tampering, vandalism and illegal connections to the City.
“The City is calling on all communities to help protect infrastructure in our neighbourhoods. We must continue to work together so we make an impact in all areas.
“Report all criminals stealing or vandalising community infrastructure.”
Mbandezi said suspicious behaviour can be reported to the City’s Public Communication Centre on 021 460 7722.
