Today, 7 December 2022, 105 households in Overcome Heights in the Vrygrond area were connected to the electricity grid. This electrification project will enhance the residents’ living conditions as well as the safety of community members who can now reduce their dependence on using open flames.
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. The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, and other dignitaries attended today's switch on.
'We are glad to be here again in Overcome Heights to do more. In 2008, the City connected approximately 500 homes to the formal electricity grid with more than 100 infills connected thereafter. Today, we are switching on the first of 105 planned connections. The City set aside a total of R3,2 million to ensure the success of this project. Families in this community can now feel safer and happier with access to the basic electricity services which the City provides.
'It is unfortunate that on the day these residents receive electricity in their homes for the first time, Eskom announces Stage 6 load-shedding and plunges them into darkness.
'In keeping with our theme this year of Doing More, I am delighted to announce that between January and December 2022, the City electrified more than 1 810 homes. These formal connections to the electricity grid include formal subsidised housing, informal settlements, infills and backyarder connections at a cost of approximately R13 million. Thousands of people have benefitted from these projects. Our commitment to doing more is underscored by our investment in infrastructure which makes life easier for residents and unlocks opportunities for their children to thrive in school, business and access to jobs.
'This latest project in Overcome Heights is just one of a number of projects across the metro we will actively pursue in the remainder of this financial year and in the next few years,' said Councillor Van Reenen.
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. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.
Source: City Of Cape Town