By Cllr Frans Boshielo
MMC for Utility Services
The City of Tshwane today took another important step towards expanding access to
basic services as the Member of the Mayoral Committee for the Energy and Electricity Business Unit, Councillor Frans Boshielo, officially launched and energised Phase 1 of the Pienaarspoort Extension 21 Informal Settlement Electrification Project in Ward 100, Region 5.
The project forms part of the City’s #SwitchOnTshwane programme, which is
accelerating the rollout of electricity infrastructure to communities that have
historically been without access to safe and reliable electricity.
Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit a total of 1 199 households, significantly improving the quality of life of residents while supporting safer, more resilient communities.
The full electrification project includes the construction of an electrical network
consisting of 20 mini-substation zones. As there was no existing electrical capacity in the area, the City first had to construct new supply feeders to establish a reliable and sustainable electricity network capable of supporting current and future demand.
The successful completion and energisation of Phase 1, which includes the new
supply feeders and six mini-substation zones, has already brought electricity to 373 households.
Access to electricity does more than switch on lights.
It improves safety by reducing reliance on dangerous illegal connections, candles and paraffin for lighting and cooking, lowering the risk of electrocution and devastating shack fires.
It also enhances security by enabling better lighting in homes and public spaces, extends opportunities for children to study after dark, supports home-based businesses and creates a stronger foundation for economic activity and development.
The next phase of the project is scheduled to be energised by the end of July 2026 and will connect a further 240 households to the electricity network.
The remaining households will be connected by the end of December 2026, with the completed project expected to provide safe
and reliable electricity to a total of 1 199 households.
The City of Tshwane remains committed to investing in infrastructure that improves
the daily lives of residents.
Through #SwitchOnTshwane, the City is expanding access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity while strengthening and stabilising the municipal electricity network to improve reliability, reduce outages and ensure the network is able to meet the needs of existing and growing communities.
The programme is improving public safety, supporting economic development and
ensuring that more residents enjoy the dignity and opportunities that come with
access to essential municipal services.
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