Sibonelo Mtshali
The MMC for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Mlungisi Mabaso, introduced the contractor appointed by City Power to electrify the George Goch informal settlement on Saturday, 7 September 2024. During a meeting with residents of the settlement in eastern Johannesburg, Mabaso revealed details of the contractor responsible for the project.
The George Goch informal settlement, located near the George Goch hostel, is home to over 1 800 shacks that have existed in the area for decades. These households will benefit from the R65.7 million project to be undertaken by City Power, an entity of the City of Johannesburg.
“Government works through a grant called the Urban Settlement Development Grant, which addresses the provision of all basic services, such as roads, sewage systems, water infrastructure, clinics, and other human settlement needs. When there are allocations from the national government, we ensure that services are provided, and funding is allocated to city entities to implement the projects. This project is the second in this ward that City Power is executing, following a similar electrification initiative in Denver in May,” said Cllr Mabaso.
He stressed the need for the project to proceed smoothly without delays, highlighting the impact on the community: “This is your project, for your benefit, aimed at enhancing the quality of life within the settlement. We must avoid situations where the project is interrupted, leading to funds being reallocated elsewhere.”
The City’s goal of electrifying informal settlements seeks to reduce illegal electricity connections, which not only deprive the City of revenue but also damage infrastructure. Illegal connections often cause overloading, resulting in the need for load reduction measures to protect the infrastructure.
“There are significant safety risks associated with illegal connections. Imagine a child playing near a live electrical cable on the ground, which could harm or even kill them. Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest that this project is completed without hindrance,” Cllr Mabaso added.
Improving and upgrading informal settlements is a key priority of the Department of Human Settlements. Over recent years,
Johannesburg has seen a sharp increase in the number of informal settlements, driven largely by people moving to the city in search of economic opportunities. The number of informal settlements rose from 182 in 2016 to 312 in 2019, and currently stands at 343.
The electrification project will create 30 jobs for local residents, and a community liaison officer will be appointed from within the settlement to work with the contractor and community, addressing any challenges that may arise. City Power has invited local contractors to attend a meeting this week to learn about opportunities available in the project.
The electrification is expected to be completed within four months, with residents receiving pre-paid meters. Before implementation, the City’s Social Development Department will assess which households can pay and which should be subsidised.
The MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, urged residents to take responsibility and pay for the services provided: “For us to implement projects, the government must have revenue. We can provide services because revenue is collected, so we urge people to pay for the services they receive.”
SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
