Today, 13 March 2019, I was joined by the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD), Cllr Nico de Jager, at the launch of the R17 million second phase of electrifying Meriting Informal Settlement, South of Johannesburg.
Through the City of Johannesburg’s power utility, City Power, 480 households will be electrified by September. During this electrification, 120 streetlights will also be installed.
Over 500 households have already been electrified since March 2017. After the City’s Housing Department allocated land and stands to beneficiaries, City Power can now start phase two.
City Power is expected to procure about 16 local labourers as a way to create job opportunities for the local people and for the local people to be involved in the implementation of the project.
City Power will provide electricity to Meriting households using a low voltage Aerial bundle conductor (ABC) cable.
The cable is made of aluminium and is not prone to cable theft because it has got little or no scrap metal value. It is made of a steel core which makes it difficult for cable thieves to cut and steal it.
It has been at the core of this pro-poor government to give dignity back to our residents that have had to make do with very little. By electrifying Meriting Informal Settlement, we are able to restore this dignity and help families build a secure future with access to basic services.
Electrification prevents possible dangerous illegal connections, and allows City Power to install prepaid meters into residents’ homes. The possibility of illegal connections overloading the power grid resulting in prolonged unplanned outages are also minimised.
To date, we have electrified 2167 units (structures) in informal settlements with more projects in to start in the near future.
Council passed the Adjustment Budget in January, allowing R82 million additional spending for the electrification of informal settlements, bringing the budget to R200 million for the 2018/19 financial year.
Under the banner of Diphetogo, the City will continue to deliver real change to our communities.
For media queries:
Chantelle Fourie-Shawe
Media Specialist: Office of the Executive Mayor
chantellef@joburg.org.za
081 546 1014
