MMC for Utility Services in the City of Tshwane Municipality Frans Boshielo is delighted that electrification projects in areas like Orchards, Rama City are well on track.
According to Boshielo, the Orchards Ext 110 electrification project in Ward 4 is expanding electricity to 500 beneficiaries; ensuring safe and reliable power while in the process reducing illegal connections in the area.
He admitted that the project experienced delays but made an assurance that the City of Tshwane Coalition government remained committed to its full completion.
“To date as the MMC for Utility Services I can confirm that 4000 beneficiaries in this area who are without electricity have been identified and their homes will be electrified as part of the multi financial phases to address the need for electricity,” he said.
Boshielo revealed that the project in Orchards entails construction of low and medium voltage electrical network infrastructure, as well as consumer connections.
He added that the electrification project in Orchards, like similar projects in other areas, creates job opportunities in terms of the Expanded Public Works Programme.
He said the project aligns with the City’s strategic priorities which include strengthening the electrical grid, water infrastructure and revenue security, but well as enhancing safety, security and emergency services.
Regarding Rama City, Boshielo said the electrification project there, which is in Ward 31 is delivering electricity to 500 beneficiaries and is ensuring safe, reliable power the residents, while curbing incidents of illegal connections.
He said this project also experienced delays but notable progress has nevertheless been made.
Boshielo explained that phase 1 and 2 of the project have been completed and that phase 3 and 4 were currently underway.
He pointed out that despite vandalism and land invasions, work continues at a steady pace but the contractor is bound to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
It has emerged that 8 mini substations were stolen but be that as it may, Boshielo is confident that through community awareness programmes regarding human settlement infrastructure, incidents of theft and vandalism may be mitigated.
In the case of the Fort West Extension 4 electrification project which is in Ward 7 of the area, Boshielo said the following:
“Following multiple complaints by the local residents, I as the MMC for Utility Services am committed to ensuring the successful completion of the project and the project will benefit 690 residents.”
He said it was encouraging that the local Fort residents’ West have shown support for the electrification project and are committed to paying for their electricity and that he saw this when he was on a site inspection visit of the project.