The City of Cape Town has provided electrical connections to an additional 1 500 households in the Doornbach informal settlement near Milnerton, just in time for Christmas.
The City funded the project, which was implemented by Eskom. In July, 520 connections were switched on as part of the first phase. There are however roughly 4 000 households in the settlement, and work is continuing on providing the rest with electrical connections.
Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Cllr Ernest Sonnenberg, switched on the new connections on Thursday, 13 December 2012.
“Providing basic services to communities across Cape Town is a challenging task. The positive impact of this electrification process in Doornbach will serve to strengthen our resolve in meeting this challenge in the future,” he said.
The City only bought the land that the settlement is situated on last year, and in terms of national legislation, was not allowed to install services earlier as it was privately owned.
The land has been deemed to have further development potential, and a consultant will be appointed early in 2013 to investigate further options. “Eventually, the residents of Doornbach will have formal services and tenure of property,” Sonnenberg said.
He added that the Human Settlements Directorate has approved Urban Settlement Development Grant funding, which means that the City’s Electricity Department will be able to install public lighting in Doornbach during this financial year.
“This electrification process should be seen as testament to the City following through on its commitment to becoming a caring and opportunity city. The land was purchased by the City only last year, making the fact that over 2 000 households have been electrified even more impressive.”
Sonnenberg credited the City’s Electricity Department and Human Settlements Directorate for this efficient process, as well as Eskom.
He also thanked the community for their involvement and co-operation with the City.
