Urban Energy Poverty Programme empowers off-grid informal settlements

But there are many existing and newer settlements that exist or that have formed on land where it is not possible to electrify, such as on wetlands, in ponds or on road- and nature reserves.Access to safe and sustainable energy sources remains a vital focus for the City not only to improve living conditions but also to reduce the risk of devastating fires primarily caused by open, unattended flames.

City Mayoral Committee Member, Beverley van Reenen, met up with active community partners in the alternative energy sphere, iShack , Zonke Energy and the University of Exeter for a first-hand look at how these organisations are working to solve access to household power and public lighting in areas where grid-connection is not possible.

Through partnerships such as these, the City hopes to bring real change to residents in informality over the years to come. ‘The communities where these alternative pilot projects are being rolled out are very happy about the intervention.‘Our investigation looks into what are the benefits and opportunities to scale up such alternative energy solutions.

As a City we are doing a lot of work in this realm and community buy-in is key. We are also keen to learn from the partner-experts at grassroots level and I commend organisations such as iShack, Zonke Energy, and the University of Exeter for their unfaltering commitment to our residents. Together, we can change the realities of our most vulnerable residents,’ said Van Reenen.

As part of the investigation into alternative renewable energy solutions in informal settlements, the City has also conducted community surveys to gain first-hand knowledge of community perceptions of alternative energy and what the hurdles and opportunities are. The research will inform the nuts and bolts of the Urban Energy Poverty Programme over the next years.

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