Lighting Up Lives: Skeem Saam Informal Settlement in Lotus River Gains Access to Electricity

The City of Cape Town is making great strides towards achieving its goal of providing electricity to informal settlements. Recently, 43 households in the Skeem Saam informal settlement in Lotus River were electrified, marking an important milestone in the City’s efforts.

The Electrification Project

The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department spearheaded the electrification project, with an investment of R666,341. The project was aimed at bringing power to the Skeem Saam community, and it was a success.

Celebrating the Milestone

Councillor Beverley van Reenen, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, was present at the switch-on ceremony. She expressed her gratitude to the City’s electricity officials and contractors for their efforts in Skeem Saam and other areas. Councillor Van Reenen also emphasized that electrification plays a crucial role in improving the lives of residents in underprivileged communities.

Demarcation of Areas

It is important to note that there is a distinction between areas in the City of Cape Town supplied directly by Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility, and those supplied by the City. The distribution licenses are issued by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which define the supply areas for both Eskom and the City of Cape Town.

Ongoing Efforts to End Load-Shedding

The City’s ongoing efforts to end load-shedding over time have also focused on energy diversification and enhancing security of supply through various means. These include the City’s own build projects, small-scale embedded generation programs, wheeling, and independent power producer programs.

Reporting Infrastructure Damage

To maintain and improve municipal electrical infrastructure, the City of Cape Town encourages residents to report any damage through SMS (31220) or email (power@capetown.gov.za). Additionally, the City offers a reward of R5,000 for anonymous tip-offs regarding infrastructure damage that leads to arrests.

Brighter Future

The electrification of Skeem Saam informal settlement in Lotus River is a testament to the City’s dedication to uplifting the lives of its residents. Ensuring access to electricity for all is crucial in fostering progress and development, while bridging the gap between urban and informal areas. This milestone not only illuminates the homes of 43 families, but it also serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.