City allocates R50 million for electrification of Slovo Park Informal Settlement

19 February 2018

 

There was cheering and jubilation at Slovo Park in Region B when Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba announced on Monday, 19 February 2018, that the City will electrify the informal settlement to the tune of R50 million. 

 

“It is a shame indeed that 23 years into democracy, our people still live under such circumstances. Today is not a day of celebration because this electrification is 23 years late. We need to get on with the job and do more for this community and many others,” said Mayor Mashaba.

 

He added that the new administration would remain unapologetic about being a pro-poor government and will not compromise on issues related to bettering the lives of people. 

 

“As the City of Johannesburg we are working tirelessly to root out corruption. It is a result of corruption that our people still live under such appalling conditions. City officials are robbing the poor to enrich themselves.” 

 

Councillor Lerato Morwale encouraged the leadership to refrain from politicising the project. “This is not a political game, no one must claim political glory in this project, this is about the people of this community who deserve to live with dignity.” 

 

Member of Mayoral Council for Environment and Infrastructures Services Cllr Nico de Jager encouraged community members to work with the City in making it great again. 

 

“A lot still needs to be done. This is just a first step of many for this community. We need to take it one step at a time, as we have set not just short-term goals, but long term too. We need every citizen to work with the leadership to make this community and the City at large a better place to live in. Many people of this community have passed without enjoying the convenience of electricity, and we urge the City to move with speed.”

 

Mayor Mashaba vowed that this project will be completed in three months. “Everyone involved in this project need to know that there will be very little sleep until the project is completed. We will ensure that we get weekly reports as soon as the project commences.”