City of Cape Town

Indicator	No access to electricity for lighting.
Description	The number and % households that do not have electricity for lighting in the dwelling.

Existing Trends

Year	Number	%	Source
1996	86,226	13.2	Census 1996
2001	87,295	11.2	Census 2001
2005	39,770	4.5	GHS 2005
2006	38,791	4.3	GHS 2006
2007	26,208	2.8	GHS 2007

Significance	Having access to electricity in the home increases quality of life of the household and business activity within the community. Moreover using electricity as opposed to alternatives (such as gas, paraffin, candles, etc.) reduces fire risk and environmental costs.
Implications	The % of households with no access to electricity in the dwelling has decreased from 13% in 1996 to 2.8% in 2076. This shows an improvement in service delivery which impacts upon the quality of life for people living in Cape Town.
Map	A map, using the 2001 Census suburbs, showing % of households who have no electricity for lighting in the dwelling.
References	Statistics South Africa: Census 1996, Census 2001, General Household Survey (GHS) 2005 2006 and 2007. www.statssa.gov.za
Contact	Karen Small Head: Strategic Information Analysis and Research Strategic Development Information and GIS Karen.Small@capetown.gov.za Janet Gie Senior Professional Officer Strategic Development Information and GIS Janet.Gie@capetown.gov.za
Complied by	Strategic Information, Strategic Development Information and GIS Department
Updated	2008/12/03