Friday, 2 October 2020: Eskom in
Gauteng is partnering with Mogale City Municipality to mark and celebrate the electrification
of 190 households in Smokedown informal settlement through a switch-on ceremony.
“The R8.6
million electrification project investment kickstarted in 2017 where the first
phase saw 572 houses being electrified in 2018/19 and the 190 connections of
the last phase being energised in September 2020. The total number of
electrification connections planned for this financial year is 5 487. Electrification
of informal settlements in Gauteng is a strategic drive to promote the quality
of life in disadvantaged areas and to stimulate economic activities while advancing
universal access to electricity,” highlighted Sylvester Barei, Senior Manager of
the Asset Creation Department for the Gauteng Operating Unit.
This is another
way of optimising and safeguarding infrastructure through a legalised process. Customers
will safely access electricity and benefit from the Free Basic Electricity made
available by Mogale City. The customers will, however, have a responsibility to
pay for their services to ensure that they are sustained.
Eskom urges the
community of Smokedown to become efficient in their consumption of electricity and
to purchase their electricity tokens only from Eskom’s authorised outlets and
vendors. It is of great importance for all communities to look after their
electricity infrastructure so as to ensure continuity of supply for everyone.
Report any
illegal connections, illegal operations or any unsafe activities to the toll
free Eskom crime reporting line: 0800 11 27 22.
ENDS.