Electricity switched on at Overcome Heights

Residents at Overcome Heights informal settlement near Seawinds are ecstatic that they have finally been connected to the electricity grid.

One-hundred-and-five households at the settlement were officially connected to the electricity grid last week, just in time for the holidays.

The electrification project aims to improve residents’ living conditions as well as their safety as many still rely on open fires to cook and boil water and as a result there have been numerous uncontrollable fires at the settlement over the years.

Community worker and Overcome Heights committee member, Karen Mentoor said there have been major fires in the area over the past few years and many families lost their belongings and had to rebuild their homes.

“We are so happy that we have electricity. Our committee has been fighting for this for so long. It’s been seven years and we’ve been through three councillors and we’ve been asking for electricity from each councillor.”

The 105 houses are part of the first phase of electrification and the community hopes to have all households connected by next year. There are over 400 structures at the settlement.

Beverley van Reenen, the City of Cape Town’s mayco member for energy, who was at the switching on event on Wednesday December 7, said almost all older informal settlements in City-supplied areas and on City-owned land, where it is possible, have been connected to electricity.

“In 2008, the City connected approximately 500 homes to the formal electricity grid with more than 100 infills connected thereafter. We switched on the first of 105 planned connections in Overcome Heights and the City set aside a total of R3.2 million to ensure the success of this project.

“Families in this community can now feel safer and happier with access to the basic electricity services which the City provides. This latest project in Overcome Heights is just one of a number of projects across the metro we will actively pursue in the remainder of this financial year and in the next few years,” said Ms Van Reenen.

To report damage to municipal electrical infrastructure SMS 31220 or email power@capetown.gov.za. Residents can also give anonymous tip-offs if they are aware of illegal activities. Call 112 from a cellphone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.

Ms Mentoor thanked the City and councillors who played a part in the electrification process.