In South Africa, to improve access to essential services, the City of Johannesburg, under the leadership of Mayor Dada Morero, has decided to invest nearly 300 million rands (around USD 17 million) in the electrification of its informal settlements. This measure, announced on May 10, 2025, aims to provide thousands of households in Diepsloot, Orange Farm, and Kaya Sands with a safe and legal source of electricity, while paving the way for future development.
As part of a significant effort to improve service delivery and address infrastructure gaps, the City of Johannesburg has allocated around 300 million rands—approximately USD 17 million—for the electrification of informal areas in the metropolitan zone. This initiative, announced by Mayor Dada Morero on May 10, 2025, seeks to give thousands of households in underprivileged neighborhoods legal, safe, and sustainable access to electricity.
“Electrifying informal settlements remains a top priority. With a budget of 296 million rands allocated to connect areas like Diepsloot, Orange Farm, and Kaya Sands to the grid, this initiative will provide thousands of households with safe and legal electricity access, and lay the foundation for modernizing and formalizing service delivery.”
— Dada Morero, Mayor of the City of Johannesburg – South Africa
Johannesburg has around 181 informal settlements housing more than 180,000 households. Electrifying these areas is a priority for the city, addressing an urgent need for services and promoting inclusive urban development. The program is expected to reduce fire hazards, improve safety, enhance educational outcomes, and increase economic opportunities for residents.
“This cross-cutting initiative aims to modernize basic infrastructure, refurbish abandoned buildings, install public lighting, and restore dignity to the heart of the city. This investment will help unlock mixed-income housing, attract commercial tenants, and revive the central business district’s economy.”
— Dada Morero, Mayor of the City of Johannesburg – South Africa
According to municipal authorities, the City of Johannesburg has already made significant progress. During the 2023/24 fiscal year, City Power successfully connected 2,675 households in seven informal settlements, surpassing its target of 2,500.
Source : AFRICA24
