Life will never be the same for residents of the Special Quarters Informal Settlement in Langa after the City connected electricity to the area for the first time since it was established more than 30 years ago.

A total of 157 shacks were connected to the electricity grid on Thursday 11 June. Residents expressed their excitement, saying the installation was long overdue. They also commended ward 51 councillor Lwazi Phakade for his efforts in bringing the service to the community.

Dream come true

Resident Sindiswa Peter described the development as a dream come true. “I am so happy. I will now have my own electricity meter box and be able to buy electricity whenever I need it. I used to pay R350 per month for electricity,” said Peter.

She praised Phakade for his commitment to the community and said the availability of legal electricity connections would help reduce the risk of shack fires.

“Two years ago, more than 50 shacks were destroyed by a fire caused by electrical problems,” she said.

Restoring dignity

Phakade said the provision of basic services is essential to restoring dignity to residents.

“Electricity, water and housing are among the basic services that every community deserves. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of our people. We believe their lives will never be the same again. As leaders, we are doing our best to develop Langa by ensuring that residents have access to essential services,” said Phakade.

He added that work on the project began earlier this year and forms part of ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in the area.

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