CLOSE to 180 families in Hankey received electricity for the first time last week – bringing dignity to residents in the area, who had to live without electricity for many years.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks, switched on the power to 179 new electrical connections at Stofwolk, in Hankey, on Wednesday, April 14. An additional 16 sites will be electrified before the end of April.
Hendricks said the electrification of the area, a joint project between the municipality and Eskom, was an important step towards eradicating informal areas and restoring dignity to all communities.
“Electricity means much more than a light being switched on. It means the right to be able to do homework and study at night. It means a new opportunity to bring an end to poverty in the region,” he said.
The site was officially handed over to Eskom on Tuesday, March 9.
At the official switch-on, Hendricks said, “Today is very special to me. I am delighted that this community now has basic services. This is a historic milestone for Kouga Municipality and a life-changing experience for those of you who have been living here for the greater part of your lives.
“We want to thank those living here for their patience and cooperation. You have not been forgotten, and we are committed to helping you move forward as the municipality moves forward,” Hendricks said.
Isack Jocham (71), one of the oldest Stofwolk residents to be connected to the electrical grid, said, “We are excited about the development taking place in our area.”
Hester Bosman (55), also a beneficiary on the day, said that the electricity would vastly improve their living conditions.
“It has not been easy for us, here in Stofwolk, without electricity. We have had to use candles and collect wood for fire, which was dangerous for our children.
“It was always difficult for our children to study or to do their homework.
“Together we can achieve so much more.”
The municipality built a total of 233 temporary shelters to accommodate families from the old Stofwolk informal settlement, who had to move while services were being installed to the housing sites and the houses were being built as part of the Hankey RDP housing development.
Provision has, furthermore, been made for temporary toilets, communal taps, and constructed access roads.
“We have identified the need to formulate an integrated human settlements sector plan to guide our approach in the development of a holistic environment, as well as to cater for the existing and future needs of the region’s diverse communities,” said Hendricks.
“This can only be achieved if government sectors and the private sector work closely together to ensure that we build an effective region through good governance and service excellence.”
