There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for Diepkloof Hostel residents as City Power on Tuesday began electrifying the area following weeks of violent protests by the residents who went as far as barricading the N1 to Joburg with rocks and burning tyres.
The residents even got the City of Joburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda to come on a walkabout to see first hand what their grievances were about.
After the tour and consultations with Hostel Induna, Gwamanda acknowledged that the hostel needed an upgrade and proper sanitation and electricity.
In welcoming the new developments at the hostel, Sibongiseni Khoza said since the hostel was built they have never had access to running water and had relied on the bucket system for sanitation.
“We are very happy, it’s the first time we see something like this. It feels like a rebirth the way we are so happy because it’s for the first time we are seeing something like this,” said a jubilant Khoza, adding that the last time they had proper electricity was before 1994.
City Power Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the project to electrify the hostel will be completed before the scheduled time.
“This is part of our empowerment of the community we are working in. We are looking at how to finish the project in the next two months. The project has been set for three months. We will push and finish it quickly and address other issues raised earlier. agreements with the leadership and finalised our discussions.
“The project will hire 20 hostel dwellers. The 20 would assist in digging trenches and planting electric poles.”
