Twelve families in Kensington’s 6th Avenue informal settlement, one of the oldest communities in the area, have just received electricity for the first time.
As part of the City of Cape Town’s electrification project, the City said that this is a step in the right direction for hundreds of residents’ living conditions.
As reported by the People’s Post, Riedewaan Jardien expressed his relief at being able to cook without relying on his neighbour’s electricity.
‘Now we are happy and grateful to have our own electricity box,’ he said.
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The City of Cape Town allocated R23 million to electrify approximately 2 440 households in the 2022/2023 financial year.
The City’s Mayco Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, emphasised the project’s role in enhancing safety and reducing the reliance on 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 that 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,’ she said.
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Despite the progress in electrification, Rashieda Hans, a community leader, pointed out the urgent need for permanent housing.
‘Our children are having children, and they must live here. Some old people have already died without getting the keys to their homes. In winter, it’s flooded here. Our ablution facilities are terrible, and they are unhealthy. We are tired of complaining. We don’t want to complain anymore,’ said Hans.
Mushiefa Davids, a resident of the settlement for 30 years, shared the community’s joy over the end of prolonged darkness and security concerns. However, she too noted the constant hardships of living in an informal settlement.
‘We used to complain a lot about the darkness and being robbed because you couldn’t see anything. The big issue we have is housing. When it rains, the roofs leak, our dwellings are flooded and we have children. We long for our own homes with proper ablution facilities.’
Councillor van Reenen urged residents to report any illegal activities, including vandalism or unauthorised electricity connections, to help maintain the integrity of the newly installed infrastructure.
To report an incident anonymously, dial 112 from a cell phone (toll-free), 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 in an emergency.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook