- Christmas came a little early for twelve families in Kensington’s 6th Avenue informal settlement when they received electricity for the first time.
- The settlement is one of the eldest in the community and is home to hundreds of people.
- The City of Cape Town says in the 2022-’23 financial year, it spent R23 million and electrified approximately 2 440 households.
Christmas came a little early for twelve families in Kensington’s 6th Avenue informal settlement when they received electricity for the first time recently.
The settlement is one of the eldest in the community and is home to hundreds of people.
Riedewaan Jardien says he is elated that he can now cook food without having to bother his neighbour.
“We used to get electricity from our neighbour. Now we are happy and grateful to have our own electricity box.”
Mushiefa Davids, a resident, has been living here for 30 years. She explains that they are elated that their pleas for electrification have finally been adhered to.
“We used to complain a lot about the darkness and being robbed because you can’t see anything. The big issue we have is housing. When it rains the roofs leak, and our dwellings are flooded, and we have children. We long for our own homes with proper ablution facilities.”
The City of Cape Town says in the 2022-’23 financial year, it spent R23 million and electrified approximately 2 440 households.
Beverley van Reenen, Mayco member for energy, says this electrification project will enhance living conditions and residents’ safety as they can reduce their dependence on using open flames.
“I am thrilled to be switching on the electricity at homes within this area. Families in this community can now feel more secure with access to the basic electricity services which the City provides and they can look forward to a festive season with light and power. It is so meaningful to see this become a reality.”
Van Reenen says 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 is committed to electrifying residents’ homes across the metro in its supply areas. These connections to the electricity grid include formal subsidised housing, informal settlements, infills and backyarder connections.
“Our ongoing commitment to always doing more is underscored by our investment in infrastructure which makes life safer and easier for residents and unlocks opportunities for their children to thrive.”
Rashieda Hans, community committee leader, has been there for 25 years. She says while they are grateful for the electricity, they are waiting for homes as they have been on the housing database for many years.
“We would like our own decent homes. Our children are having children, and they must live here. Some old people have died already without getting the keys to their homes. In winter its flooded here. Our ablution facilities are terrible, and it is unhealthy. We are tired of complaining. We don’t want to complain anymore.”
She also calls on police to do more safety patrols in the area.
Van Reenen urged residents to give anonymous tip-offs if they are aware of illegal activity, such as vandalism or illegal electricity connections, that is taking place.
To report anonymously dial 112 from a cell phone (toll-free) and 107 from a landline or dial 021 480 7700 for emergencies.
