In a strategic move aimed at reducing illegal electricity connections and ensuring the safe use of electricity in informal settlements in and around the city, Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) is investing millions in its electricity infrastructure.
Pangoville informal settlement in Wards 25 and 27 in Munsieville is the latest area in Mogale City to be electrified. The multi-million Pangoville Electrification Project is a partnership between the municipality and the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) implemented through the Integrated National Electrification Programme.
The informal settlement is home to over 1 700 households and this first phase of the project resulted in at least 700 households benefiting from the electrification supported by five transformers. The second phase is expected to be rolled out in the 2021/ 22 financial year and will see the remaining households connected to the electricity infrastructure.
The area, which is notoriously known for illegal connections, was identified through the municipality’s annual Integrated Development Planning (IDP) as one of the informal settlements that are in dire need of electrification. These illegal connections cost the municipality millions of rand through damage to infrastructure. Some of these have also led to fatalities.
Addressing residents of Pangoville and other stakeholders in attendance during the project launch, Executive Mayor Francis Makgatho, accompanied by ward councillor Jacob Makokwe said the electrification of the area forms part of the city’s IDP and service-delivery programme, as well as formalising Pangoville.
Over a couple of years Pangoville residents have been connecting electricity illegally, which in turn disrupted electricity supply to some parts of Munsieville. As part of this project’s implementation, all illegal connections have been removed. We hope that residents will now enjoy the benefits of this new infrastructure and start buying electricity from reputable electricity vendors,” he said.
Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Utilities Management, Tshepo Nzwane urged residents to exercise patience while the municipality together with the DMRE are in the process of connecting the remaining households. He also cautioned against vandalising infrastructure that is meant to service the community.
Residents from the area shared their gratitude and joy with the electrification of their area.
