Approximately 334 households were connected to the electricity grid yesterday on Friday 3 May 2019, as part of the City’s R3,3 million first-phase electrification project in Jim se Bos informal settlement in Philippi.

The City sincerely thanks the property owner for allowing it to provide electricity services on this property. Further surveys will be carried out to determine the number of households which will benefit from the second phase of this project.

‘Today I, along with ward councillor Elton Jansen and Alderman George March, as well as the Community Liaison Officer, Mr David Rajs, visited some of our residents who received access to electricity at their homes for the first time. They are very grateful especially because it is winter. Electrifying homes is more than just about having a lightbulb. Having electricity enables economic growth and allows small home-based businesses to operate more efficiently; it enhances safety; it reduces the risk of fires; it promotes better public health; and it also creates an improved environment for learners to achieve better academic results since they no longer have to use candle light to do their homework or to study for exams in the evenings.

‘Furthermore, I would like to commend the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department who is working hard to connect residents in informal settlements with electricity where possible. We will continue to make every effort to improve the lives of our residents in informal settlements through the provision of access to electricity, as part of the City’s commitment to service delivery and improving the health and safety of our residents,’ said Councillor Maxiti.