DA gives light to Never-Never
The Democratic Alliance (DA) political party donated 24 solar LED lights to the residents of the Never Never informal settlement, as part of their 'light up your life' campaign.
Last Thursday, the DA handed out 24 solar LED lights to the informal settlement of Never Never, as part of their ‘Light up your Life’ campaign.
The party took on the initiative as the roll out of solar lights, which can also charge a cellphone, to various informal settlements has been slow.
DA councillor and councillor for ward 75 Dean Stone visited the community and spoke to them about the motives and the reason for the initiative.
It was agreed by the community via a meeting that the 24 solar LED lights will be handed to residents that have stayed in Never Never the longest, as well as some families with children who are attending various primary schools in Springs.
“What we noticed is that the roll out to delivering these solar lights has been slow, especially with the fact that there are 101 wards, and an estimated 115 more informal settlements. Even though the metro had promised the roll out of these lights, it has been a process that is slow on the uptake and action.”
Dean said that the roll out was the idea of Jack Bloom, who is the DA spokesman on health, who got into contact with the company that manufactures the lights, and through Glenda Steyn, DA chief whip and member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, made it possible to donate the lights to the community of Never Never.
Felicity Links and her son Clifford received new lights.
“I feel very happy, the light will help my son with his school work at night, it will save us money in buying candles and save us money that we spend on petrol for the generator.”
Tsepho Malmela, chairman of the community said, “I’m happy. This makes a difference, even if it’s in a small way, by allowing people to save money on candles so they can use it for other needs.”
The DA is planning to donate more solar lights to the community in the future.
