The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) announced the successful handover of nine high mast lights utilising alternative energy solutions to the Cape Gate informal settlement.

ELM issued a statement on January 31, outlining that the high mast light symbolises its commitment to the well-being of the community.

“Cape Gate is home to 209 households, and the ELM Department of Human Settlement is pleased to report substantial progress in efforts to formalise this community.”

“To date, 166 households have been formally arranged to allow for further infrastructure development, which kickstarts the next phase towards shaping a living and working environment for the Cape Gate informal settlement community.”

In the coming weeks, the department will initiate the construction of alternative sanitation facilities. Service providers are already on-site and actively working to establish these essential services. The successful development of alternative sanitation and other supporting infrastructure is crucial for the complete formalisation of the settlement. The municipality is committed to seeing this project through to its successful conclusion.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements in ELM, councillor Hassan Mako, highlighted the importance of the Cape Gate informal settlement project at the handover ceremony of the cellular high mast light.

“This handover ceremony marks a significant moment in the development of the Cape Gate informal settlement as we gather here to celebrate the provision of high mast lights to improve night-time safety. The ELM human settlement department is proud to be part of this pilot project – a benchmark for the formalisation of informal settlements across Gauteng. We are encouraged by the project’s progress so far and dedicated to creating communities that everyone is proud of,” said Mako.

Mako assured Cape Gate informal settlement residents that the municipality is committed to developing their area and looking forward to the rollout of more projects by the department. Thus far, the achievement is a result of a healthy partnership between the Gauteng Provincial Government, ELM, and the beneficiary community.

“The municipality is grateful for this partnership and hopes it continues to fast track government plans to provide decent residential areas for all citizens.”