According to Ward Councillor, Wilson Busakwe 1 410 homes have solar lights, which will make life easier for the residents who relied on candlelight and paraffin stoves to cook.
The project also gave 18 residents a job opportunity, affording them training in solar light installation.
Resident, Percy Mofokeng (36) who was also part of the project says he is very happy that they are able to have lights at night like other residents and they may charge their phones without walking long distance.
“What I like about the solar lights, they are easy to use and will also reduce shack fires especially because residents don’t have to use candles,”he says.
Busakwe says Marikana is still a transit area so they are trying to make sure residents receive basic needs like water, sanitation and lights while they wait to be placed in their proper homes.
“In the past we installed solar street lights and unfortunately they were vandalised, so we trust that residents will take care of the little development we try and deliver to them by taking care of their property and reporting individuals who try and destroy the metro’s property,” adds Busakwe.
