Around 800 homes in Klipheuwel in the Western Cape have been connected to the electricity grid.
Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille on Friday officially switched on electricity for the homes. Since January 2017, over 4 000 new households in the Western Cape have been connected to the electricity grid as part of Eskom’s quest to achieve universal access by 2020.
“A candle or paraffin light will be something of the past as the Klipheuwel community will now be able to get lighting from the flick of a switch. The Eskom Western Cape Operating Unit has consistently met its electrification target for the last five years and is continuously intensifying its electrification drive,” said the power utility.
Klipheuwel is currently an informal settlement, with the City of Cape Town planning to formalise the area by installing sewer pipelines and creating access pathways.
The community was located on private property and the city had to purchase the land before Eskom could proceed with the electrification project. Eskom by law is not allowed to electrify anyone who has settled on private land, road reserves, and flood plains. The project took six months.
Mayor De Lille said the city is proud to be part of the project.
“Negotiations with the previous land owner took many years but finally in February 2016, we had a breakthrough when the city purchased the land for R943 500, which allowed the electrification project to commence. I share in the joy with the residents, who will now have much more comfort and warmth.”
Eskom provincial head Alwie Lester said the power utility continues to contribute towards the socio-economic developmental goals of the country by intensifying its electrification delivery programme.
“Changing the lives of our communities is what drives our daily operations and we are pleased with the progress made in the Western Cape with regards to electrification and bringing life to our communities” said Lester.
Eskom has also educated the Klipheuwel community about the safe use of electricity.
“It is important that as much as the community will benefit from using electricity, they also understand the dangers associated with using electricity incorrectly,” said Lester.
The Klipheuwel customers will be serviced directly by Eskom. Customer enquiries can be directed to the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 37566. – SAnews.gov.za
