Kouga marks milestone with first electrification project in Thornhill

THORNHILL - Kouga Local Municipality has reached an important milestone with the electrification of Tjoks Informal Settlement in Thornhill, bringing electricity to 150 households through a R1.72 million infrastructure investment.

The project, which includes the installation of 23 electricity poles and a 315kVA, 11 000/400V transformer, was completed at a total cost of R1 722 566.60. It marks the first electrification project undertaken by Kouga Local Municipality in Thornhill, where electricity provision falls under the jurisdiction of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, described the project as a significant step towards improving living conditions and expanding access to essential services.

“Access to electricity is about far more than simply switching on a light. It provides households with greater safety, dignity and opportunities to improve their quality of life. For families in Tjoksville Informal Settlement, this project represents meaningful progress and brings us closer to our goal of creating safer, more liveable communities.

“We are particularly proud that this is the first electrification project undertaken by Kouga Local Municipality in Thornhill. It demonstrates our commitment to addressing community needs and working towards improved service delivery, even in areas where municipal responsibilities and jurisdictional boundaries require careful coordination,” said Bornman.

The electrification project forms part of Kouga Local Municipality’s broader efforts to expand access to basic services and improve infrastructure in both formal and informal settlements.

Bornman emphasised that the project should be viewed as the beginning of further development in the area.

“This is not a once-off intervention. We have identified several projects for Thornhill, and this electrification initiative is the first of a number of planned interventions. We want residents to see tangible progress and to know that their needs remain part of our service-delivery priorities.

“By investing in infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for improved living conditions and stronger communities. We will continue working towards practical solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents,” he said.

Over the past five years, the municipality has extended electricity access to a total of 2 846 households in informal settlements and a further 795 households in formal settlements at a combined cost of R 55.5 million. The Tjoksville project adds to these efforts, helping to improve access to a service that is essential for household wellbeing, economic activity and community development.