Nearly 400 Nomzamo homes gain electricity access through City project

Hundreds of families in Nomzamo are now able to safely light their homes after nearly 400 households in the New Village informal settlement were connected to the electricity grid through a R4.9 million City of Cape Town project.

The project was completed over the past six months and provided formal electricity connections to 395 homes, according to the City. 

The City said it is one of its largest informal settlement electrification projects in recent years, with a further 304 connections planned.

Mayoral committee member for energy, Xanthea Limberg, said the project formed part of a broader effort to expand access to basic services in informal settlements.

"This not only demonstrates the City’s caring approach to delivering dignified and reliable electricity services to all communities, but is also an example of the dedication of our officials and contractors who pulled off this project in just six months."

She further said the City has invested more than R35.6 million in electrification projects in recent years, resulting in 2 629 home connections.

Residents connected to the grid in Nomzamo will also qualify for the City’s subsidised lifeline tariff, which includes up to 60 free basic electricity units per month on prepaid purchases.

According to the City, access to electricity will improve safety by reducing reliance on candles and paraffin, which pose fire risks. It will also allow households to refrigerate food and enable pupils and students to study after dark.

The City said electrification projects are implemented only on City-owned land and where site conditions allow, in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act.

It added that most older, City-supplied informal settlements have already been electrified where feasible and that it continues to explore further electrification opportunities in partnership with Eskom where applicable.

Local ward councillor Chantal Cerfontein said 98% of the informal settlements have been electrified in Ward 85.

"I just hope that the people will use it sparingly and wisely and not overload the boxes, so that it does not stop working or maybe cause a fire. But other than that, I am happy to say that it is in before the winter season. Residents now have ample time to prepare themselves for this cold winter coming up, seeing that they are electrified at the moment." 

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