Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Question by:
Hon Rodney Lentit
Answered by:
Hon Anton Bredell
Question Number:
6
Question Body:
Whether there are plans in municipalities to curb and eliminate illegal electrical connections; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Answer Body:
The plans to curb and eliminate the illegal connections are the following:
- Most municipalities have plans/programs in place to provide households in informal settlements and backyards with connections as part of the free basic service policy. The monthly costs are mainly funded via the Equitable Share. The disconnection of Illegal connections in this regard normally goes hand in hand with upfront communication with the communities due to the sensitivity and its political nature. The City of Cape Town for instance has a plan to appoint a contractor to assist with this challenge. The tender is in the evaluation phase at present and a contractor will be appointed within the next two months.
Municipalities generally provide informal houses with a 20 Amp connection. The CoCT provides a 40 Amp connection.
Where dangerous illegal connections exist and lives are at stake, the Safety Act compels local authorities to intervene and these connections are disconnected more promptly.
Date:
Friday, May 29, 2015
