Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Member of the Mayoral Committee for Electricity and Energy, Councillor Luxolo Namette, on Monday (January 11, 2021) officially switched on the electricity supply to shacks in the Westville informal settlement near KwaDwesi.
Nelson Mandela Bay continues to experience a high demand for housing, creating a housing backlog of approximately 80 000 units, hence the mushrooming of informal settlements across the City.
As a result of this phenomenon, most of these areas, such as the Westville Informal settlement, are disconnected from services like electricity and running water.
The City has committed to integrate some of these areas into the grid to improve social conditions and circumvent illegal electricity connections.
The City has already electrified 1000 shacks out of a total of 1200 shacks in Westville. The remaining 200 shacks will be electrified before the end of February.
Work is already in progress in areas like Motherwell and Ikamvelihle. Speaking to residents and the media after officially switching on one of the shacks, Cllr Namette said he was pleased to see that the work was progressing well.
“As government we have to follow the money. Make sure that projects are delivered as promised. I am here to switch on the electricity and update the residents about the remaining shack that still need electrification,” said Cllr Namette.
He said the connection of Westville will go a long way in eliminating chances of illegal electricity connections.
“One of the drivers of illegal connection is the unavailability of legal electricity. We have to move swiftly as a City to provide services to our people. They have been waiting for far too long,” said Cllr Namette.
One of the beneficiaries of the electrification programme, Nomonde Gwedashe, said: “Thank you to the Municipality for the electrification. The electrification and provision of water reduces the stress of waiting for a formal subsidised house a little. I am happy that I can switch on legally and safe,” said Gwedashe.
The electrification of shacks will continue for the duration of this year, with more than 4000 shacks set to be electrified.
NMB Communications
Latest posts by NMB Communications (see all)
- Join The Celebration - 26 February 2025
- 6 Municipal Employees Supended - 15 January 2025
- Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Progressing Well - 10 January 2025
- Kliprand Protest Brings Action - 7 January 2025
- Mayor Tells Us Why We Had a Successful Festive Season in Nelson Mandela Bay - 6 January 2025
