Blackburn shack dwellers hoping for ‘Christmas lights’

EVEN though they are visibly overjoyed as the electricity installation process has finally begun, Blackburn Informal Settlers are still concerned about when they will get proper housing. More than 1 000 Blackburn households are expected to have access to electricity before the end of 2018.

Working with local councillor Heinz de Boer, the City has implemented the R3.8 million electrification project. Speaking to the Northglen News de Boer said the electrification process is just the start to reshaping the informal village.

Also read:  City commits to improving informal settlements 

“We are obviously aware that housing is more important. However at this point the City can’t afford to build houses for everyone. In the interim the decision to implement other basic services like electricity,” he said.

He added,”According to current statistics it would take the City up to at least 2050 to build houses for everyone. Realistically we can’t expect people to live without the other basic services until then. Illegal connections are a huge problem, not only here in Blackburn but in other informal settlements as well. In most occasions they are the cause of fires which end up killing many people.”

The project,  unveiled by Mayor Zandile Gumede in July, has finally started with electricity poles proudly overlooking over the shacks in the village.

In other news: Load shedding inevitable, says Eskom

Gumede shared the same sentiments with de Boer saying the electrification will help reduce illegal electricity connections in the area.

“This electrification roll-out will benefit approximately 1000 households and is part of the City’s commitment in bettering people’s lives. All eThekwini resident deserve to have access to basic services such as electricity no matter where they reside. All residents must live in a humane and dignified environment,” she said.

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