City launches R65.7m electrification project at George Goch informal settlement
Mabaso said this would reduce illegal electricity connections.
The MMC for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), Mlungisi Mabaso, introduced the contractor City Power appointed to electrify the George Goch informal settlement on September 7.
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, near the George Goch hostel, is home to over 1 800 shacks that have existed there for decades.
These households will benefit from the R65.7m project to be undertaken by City Power, an entity of the CoJ.
“The 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 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 in the settlement. We must avoid situations where the project is interrupted, leading to funds being reallocated elsewhere,” he said.
The city’s goal of electrifying informal settlements seeks to reduce illegal electricity connections, which deprive the city of revenue and damage infrastructure. Illegal connections often cause overloading, resulting in a need for load reduction 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 gets completed without hindrance,” Mabaso added.
Improving and upgrading informal settlements is a priority for the Department of Human Settlements. In recent years, Johannesburg has seen a sharp increase in informal settlement numbers, driven mostly 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 residents, and a community liaison officer will be appointed from within the settlement to work with the contractor and community, addressing any challenges that might arise. City Power has invited local contractors to attend a meeting this week to learn about the opportunities available in the project.
The electrification should be complete 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 need subsidisation.
The MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, 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,” he said.
