Millions set aside to electrify 24 eThekwini informal settlements
eThekwini Municipality is set to provide electricity to 24 informal settlements at a cost of R51 million.
"For 2022/23 financial year, the Municipality will electrify 24 settlements which include Mshayazafe, Amatikwe, Tshelimnyama, Emmaus and Bottlebrush at an estimated cost of R51 million," Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said on Tuesday.
This was revealed during his announcement of the next financial year's budget at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
He said the city is home to over 500 informal settlements for which the city provides all basic services, including electricity.
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In 2021/2022 he says R71 million was set aside to electrify over 6 000 households.
"The increased demand has impacted negatively on our electricity infrastructure, including transformers that are constantly overburdened by illegal connections resulting in them exploding," Kaunda said.
"Annually, the city spends approximately R40m to replace these transformers."
